Ryan Braun

First it was Ryan Braun. Now it's Brian Dozier.

It's hardly a surprise to see the Los Angeles Dodgers linked to a right-handed hitter with power, given the difficulties they had against left-handed pitching in 2016. They were the only team to make the playoffs despite a losing record when facing a lefty starter, and they went 0-3 when facing lefties in the postseason.

Braun (1.010 OPS against left-handers in 2016) could help them. Dozier (.965) could, too.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers couldn't complete a Yasiel Puig-for-Ryan Braun trade in August. Nonetheless, they left a sense they could do so eventually.

Well, how 'bout now?

A potential blockbuster trade between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers came just short of completion before the Aug. 31 waivers deadline.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Ryan Braun was almost swapped for Yasiel Puig and others before the clock simply ran out:

Outfielder Ryan Braun would make a good trade candidate, especially with the Milwaukee Brewers squarely in sell mode before the August 1 non-waiver trade deadline, as he's in the midst of another strong season.

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The Milwaukee Brewers and Washington Nationals open a three-game set in Milwaukee on June 24. Ryan Braun will probably still be in a Brewers uniform at that point, though the trade chatter surrounding him will only intensify as the Aug. 1 non-waiver deadline approaches.

The San Francisco Giants have had "preliminary talks" with the Milwaukee Brewers about acquiring outfielder Ryan Braun, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, although "nothing [is] imminent."

There are two guys in the NL Central having great bounce-back seasons but whose efforts are being wasted on clubs that are about as bad as everyone expected them to be.

It sounds like these two guys would be better off in greener pastures. And before long, the summer trade market could make it happen.

For 10 big league seasons, Ryan Braun has worn uniforms that said only "Milwaukee" or "Brewers" across the front.

Before the 2016 MLB trade deadline slides past, that could change.

Yes, it's a little early to talk trades. Chances are that even clubs with zero shot at the playoffs and assets to unload will wait until the heat of summer to wheel and deal.

Ryan Braun's back is flaring up late in spring training, causing the Milwaukee Brewers to take him out of the lineup on Thursday. 

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Braun Battling Back Soreness

Thursday, March 24

The Brewers' official Twitter account officially listed Braun as having lower-back soreness.   

Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun continues to rehabilitate from offseason back surgery. 

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