The New York Yankees and Texas Rangers are the best teams in the American League thus far, while the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals lead the National League. Here’s what’s happening in Major League Baseball this week:

New York Yankees Sweep Washington Nationals for Ninth Straight Win

The New York Yankees beat the Washington Nationals 4-1 on Sunday to extend their current winning streak to nine games, the longest such streak the team has had since 2009. The Sunday victory gave the Yankees a sweep of the series between division leaders. The Yankees now lead second-place Baltimore by 1.5 games and the Tampa Bay Rays by 3.5 games. New York has won all games during its current streak against National League East opponents.

San Francisco Giants’ Pitcher Matt Cain Throws First Perfect Game in Franchise History

San Francisco Giants’ pitcher Matt Cain threw a masterful performance in defeating the Houston Astros’ 10-0 on Wednesday night. The perfect game was the first in the long history of the New York-San Francisco franchise. Cain recorded 14 strikeouts, tying Sandy Koufax’s perfect game record, while boosting his record to 8-2 in 2012.

Play of the Week: Gregor Blanco, San Francisco Giants

While Matt Cain was spectacular in getting his first career perfect game on Wednesday, San Francisco Giants right fielder Gregor Blanco helped make the perfecto happen with this amazing catch.

Upcoming Series To Watch: Los Angeles Dodgers at Los Angeles Angles

As of Sunday, the Los Angeles Dodgers (42-25) had the best record in Major League Baseball. By the time the Freeway Series starts this Friday at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, the Angels (36-31) could easily be nipping at the heels of the Texas Rangers in the American League West. Unless additional injuries decimate the teams, both of these Los Angeles squads could be a part of the 2012 MLB playoffs.

Fantasy Player to Add: Rajai Davis, Toronto Blue Jays

Stolen bases can be a difficult category to win in some fantasy leagues, but Rajai Davis of the Toronto Blue Jays may have a lock on the American League stolen base crown in 2012. Davis, 31, leads the American League in steals with 16. He’s also hitting .264 with a .790 OPS. If he’s available, now is the time to pick him up.

Fantasy Player to Drop: Adrian Gonzalez

Once a guaranteed fantasy producer, Red Sox first-baseman Adrian Gonzalez has had a difficult second season in Boston. Sunday night marked the first time he was out of the starting lineup in 2012. With a .265 average, five homers and 35 RBIs, Gonzalez needs to ramp up his contributions to the Boston offense. Until he does, you should cut him loose.

Other MLB news:

The Cincinnati Reds are beginning to pull away from the rest of the National League Central. After Sunday’s 3-1 victory over the New York Mets, the Reds (38-27) are winners of six games in a row and have a four-game lead on the second place Pirates…Detroit Tigers’ relief pitcher Jose Valverde was accused of throwing a spitball during a game last Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds …Now nine full games out of first place in the National League East, the Philadelphia Phillies are hoping that their existing personnel can close the distance from now until injured stars Ryan Howard and Chase Utley return. If not, center fielder Shane Victorino and starting pitcher Cole Hamels could be dealt by the trade deadline (July 31). The Chicago Cubs signed free agent Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler to a nine-year, $30 million contract. Soler, 20, was among the most coveted international talents. The Phillies, Braves, Yankees and Dodgers were among the other suitors for Soler.

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