September call-ups aren't what they used to be. In the past, teams would call up most of their 40-man rosters, creating full dugouts and lots of guys who'd get their only major league service time and appearances.
Now, cost-conscious and service-time-conscious teams call up only a few players in the last month, often leaving major prospects in the minors rather than adding them to the 40-man roster before it's necessary or risking injury in a meaningless game.
If a prospect is truly ready and the team intends to recall him, the club won't necessarily wait for roster expansion, either. Amed Rosario, my No. 1 prospect at the All-Star break, was up in early August and is playing well in a short stint so far for the Mets.
I don't think we'll see many major prospects recalled (or have their contracts purchased) in September, but here are five who seem to have a shot.
Walker Buehler, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers