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 latest update for the 2016 American League All-Star team voting looks identical to the one released last week, with the only close race being for the final starting spot in the outfield.  

MLB Communications tweeted out the updated standings that will determine the starters for the July 12 event in San Diego:

Just when you thought baseball's rumor mill was about to shift into a higher gear, it stalled out.

There's been plenty of speculation mixed in with a smattering of rumors, but much of it has revolved around the same names we've been focused on since Opening Day. With so many teams still trying to figure out if they're contenders or pretenders, things may stay in that holding pattern for a few weeks.

You can already imagine it on a shelf at your local book store: Better Late Than Never: The Jurickson Profar Story.

Every time Madison Bumgarner hits a home run, the baseball gods smile. 

So it stands to reason that if Bumgarner were to participate in the Home Run Derby, there would be grins all over the place.

According to the best measure we have, the top power hitter in Major League Baseball in 2016 is David Ortiz. That's not too surprising. Although he's 40 years old, he's still David Ortiz.

But the best power hitter in baseball after him? Adam Duvall. Didn't see that one coming, did you?

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."

Major League Baseball had discussions about a pitchers-only home run derby, Buster Olney revealed during Sunday night's contest between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball.

Clemson University’s Clate Schmidt was at Turner Field in July 2015 to meet Chicago Cubs star Jon Lester—anxious to discuss the many things they had in common.

Both are pitchers. Both were high school baseball prodigies—with Schmidt earning All-American honors. The Boston Red Sox drafted both, though Schmidt elected to return to Clemson for his senior season. He also chose not to sign after the Tigers selected him out of high school.

Unfortunately, they shared one more common bond.

Fantasy baseball often boils down to which MLB players receive the appropriate opportunity to succeed. A talented player is useless without playing time or the right role, and favorable circumstances can elevate a middling contributor.

Week 11's waiver-wire recommendations have always had the skills, but most only recently received the proper role. This includes two relievers instantly made relevant by save potential and a pair of first basemen who slugged their way into relevance.