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The trend around baseball this season is an obvious one: Youth will be served. Even on contenders.

Young players traditionally have gotten exposure to the big leagues in the final few months of the season, usually with teams way out of contention. With nothing to play for, the thinking has been, why not help the prospects get a head start on their development, while at the same time whetting the appetites of frustrated fans?

This year, however, has been different.

The Atlanta Braves have overcome a slew of injuries by relying on the likes of Wilson Betemit, Kyle Davies, Jeff Francoeur, Ryan Langerhans, Kelly Johnson and others. Oakland has turned to Huston Street and Dan Johnson and gotten plenty in return. In both leagues, players straight out of the minors are contributing to teams with playoff aspirations.

Some -- the Yankees' Melky Cabrera -- have shown they're not ready to play in the major leagues, at least not on a regular basis. But that hasn't stopped teams from trying.

Here are 10 players you might not know much about, but who could have an impact on the final two months of the season:

JON PAPELBON and DUSTIN PEDROIA, Red Sox: Papelbon is the best right-handed pitching prospect in the Red Sox organization and is officially off-limits when it comes to trade discussions.

Promoted to Triple-A within the last few weeks, he has been a starter this season, beginning at Double-A Portland. But Papelbon was a closer at Mississippi State and the Sox envision him helping out in the bullpen.

In a best-case scenario, Papelbon could be the Red Sox's answer to Francisco Rodriguez, circa 2002 -- a fresh power arm who can strike people out in a setup capacity.

Pedroia very likely would have been called up Monday to take over for Mark Bellhorn (sprained thumb) at second base had it not been for a nagging wrist injury. The Sox want him to get healthy first, but there's little doubt he'll be up in the next few weeks, though the tandem of Alex Cora and Tony Graffanino allows the Sox to take their time.

FRANCISCO LIRIANO, Twins: Scouts drool over Liriano's potential and love his smooth delivery and two plus pitches (a fastball that touches 96 and a terrific changeup).

The Twins might have to move either Kyle Lohse or Joe Mays to get a bat or two for the stretch run, which could create an opening in the rotation.

Minnesota has an uphill climb to win the wild card, but if the Twins were to get into the postseason and throw Brad Radke, Johan Santana and Liriano at some team, they could be formidable.

KENDRY MORALES, Angels: Still at Double-A, this former Cuban star is a switch-hitting first baseman/outfielder. A much better hitter from the right side, he could help address the Angels' struggles against lefties, which is a concern.

Internally, there has been talk of calling him up in September when rosters expand and placing him on the Angels' postseason roster. But don't be surprised if he arrives sooner.

IAN KINSLER, Rangers: The Texas infield currently has no vacancies, but that could change if the Rangers find a deal for Alfonso Soriano.

Kinsler is a natural shortstop, but few doubt he could make the transition to second base in a hurry if necessary. There's also the possibility that he could take over at second if Soriano moves to DH.

Kinsler has already made a big impression on manager Buck Showalter, and the manager's endorsement is huge in the Texas organization.

CONOR JACKSON and CARLOS QUENTIN, Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks aren't out of the NL West race yet because the Padres can't manage to put any distance between themselves and the rest of the pack.

Jackson (at first base) and Quentin (possibly plugged into center field) would provide energy and offense to the Diamondbacks down the stretch. It would be hard to find two more promising hitters so close to helping out one parent club.

ANDERSON HERNANDEZ, Mets: Obtained last winter from Detroit for Vance Wilson, Hernandez could be a candidate to take over at second base.

Already, Hernandez has the defensive skills to the play at the big-league level. The Mets wanted to see more consistency at the plate and better contact, and Hernandez has shown both at Triple-A Norfolk.

In 24 games in the International League, he has collected 17 RBI, compiled an on-base percentage of .411 and struck out just 10 times in his first 94 at-bats.

JEREMY HERMIDA, Marlins: The Marlins are shopping A.J. Burnett, and one of the things they're looking for in return is a left-handed outfielder. But if they fail to move Burnett, or get only pitching in return, they have Hermida as an in-house option.

Hermida could make the jump from Double-A and platoon with Jeff Conine. Hermida is just 21, and the Marlins would be taking a gamble by rushing him to the big leagues. But they did the same thing with Miguel Cabrera two years ago and have never regretted it.

MATT CAIN, Giants: If the Diamondbacks are considered to be in contention in the NL West, why not the Giants, too? Cain won't turn 21 until October, and this is only his third full season of pro ball, but scouts rate his makeup and maturity as sky-high.

Cain is a classic power pitcher -- occasionally touching 97 mph -- who still must refine his hard curveball and improve his straight change. Like Papelbon with the Red Sox, his short-term role might be in relief.

Sean McAdam of The Providence (R.I.) Journal covers baseball for ESPN.com.