When discussing the phrase "called in to play," there are a number of synonyms and related phrases that come to mind. For example, one might use the phrase "brought in to action" to describe a similar concept. Other related phrases might include "enlisted for duty," "summoned to the forefront," or "activated in response to a particular situation." Ultimately, the idea behind all of these phrases is that someone is being brought in to contribute their skills or expertise in a specific context or situation. Whether it's sports, business, or emergency response, the concept of being "called in to play" is a common one across a wide range of areas of life.