Cruz went 2-for-5 with a three-run home run and a second run scored in Wednesday's 8-3 win over the Reds.

The center fielder got things rolling for the Pirates when he hooked an Andrew Abbott curveball 407 feet down the right-field line in the first inning. Cruz has three homers in six games to begin the season, and all three have come in the last two days. He's batting .304 (7-for-23) with six RBI and seven runs, though he's still looking for his first steal of 2026.

Soto struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday during the Pirates' 8-3 win over the Reds.

For the second straight day, Soto was warming up to handle a save situation in the bottom of the ninth, only for Pittsburgh's offense to churn out insurance runs in the top of the frame and erase the save chance. The veteran southpaw has a 0.00 ERA through 4.1 innings to begin the season with an 8:2 K:BB, and he currently appears to be the favorite for save chances ahead of Dennis Santana.

Skenes (1-1) picked up the win in Wednesday's 8-3 victory over the Reds, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out five.

After a stunningly short Opening Day start, Skenes rebounded nicely Wednesday, tossing 51 of 77 pitches for strikes and only allowing a runner to get past first base in the fourth inning. It was an early hook for the right-hander despite the efficient performance, but the Pirates are likely just being cautious with his early season workload. The 23-year-old still has a 9.53 ERA and 6:4 K:BB through 5.2 innings, but those numbers should continue to improve quickly. Skenes is set to take the mound next at home early next week against the Padres.

Beavers went 3-for-5 with a solo home run and two additional runs scored in Wednesday's 8-3 win over the Rangers.

The 24-year-old outfielder launched his first homer of the year in the sixth inning, ripping a Carter Baumler fastball over the fence in right field. Beavers has been used exclusively against right-handed pitching to begin the season, seeing action in all three outfield spots. He's batting .286 (4-for-14) in that role with a double, a homer, three RBI and three runs.

Basallo went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 8-3 win over the Rangers.

The 21-year-old slugger helped chase Nathan Eovaldi from the game when he led off the fifth inning by launching a fastball 437 feet over the wall in center field. It was Basallo's first homer and first RBI of the season in his fifth game, and he's batting .211 (4-for-19) in the early going with a 2:6 BB:K.

Rogers (2-0) picked up the win Wednesday. allowing two runs on six hits and a walk over six innings in an 8-3 victory over the Rangers. He struck out three.

Baltimore's offense jumped on Nathan Eovaldi early, and Rogers already had a 4-0 lead before Texas got to the southpaw for a couple runs in the fourth inning. Rogers has delivered back-to-back quality starts to begin the season, posting a 1.38 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 8:5 K:BB through 13 innings. He'll look to extend his win streak in his next start, which lines up to come on the road early next week against the White Sox.

Eovaldi (0-2) took the loss Wednesday, surrendering six runs on eight hits and three walks over four-plus innings as the Rangers fell 8-3 to the Orioles. He struck out five.

The right-hander dealt with runners in scoring position in each of the first three innings, but after he seemed to settle down with a 1-2-3 fourth, Samuel Basallo led off the fifth with a solo shot. Eovaldi's had a rough start to 2026, getting tagged for 11 runs in 8.2 innings despite a 12:3 K:BB, and he's having trouble keeping the ball in the yard. After serving up just 10 homers in 22 starts as part of his career year in 2025, Eovaldi has already coughed up three homers in two starts to kick off the current campaign. He'll look to regain his focus in his next outing, which is set to come at home early next week against the Mariners.

The Royals recalled Cruz from Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

He'll take the roster spot vacated by Carlos Estevez (foot), who was placed on the 15-day injured list. Cruz posted a 3.74 ERA and 38:18 K:BB over 45.2 frames for the Royals last season and should work low-leverage innings.

The Royals placed Estevez (foot) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Estevez suffered a left foot contusion during an appearance Saturday in Atlanta when he was struck by a line drive. The reliever has also been dealing with velocity and delivery issues that have affected his overall effectiveness, and he'll get a chance to get back on track while on the IL and when he presumably goes on a rehab assignment. Estevez will be eligible to be reinstated April 14, but his timetable to return is currently up in the air. Lucas Erceg has stepped in as closer for the Royals and should continue in that role indefinitely.

Baldwin went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double, a run scored and four RBI in Wednesday's 5-1 win over the A's.

The second-year backstop continues to swing a hot bat, fueling Atlanta's offense Wednesday with a two-run single in the second inning and a two-run double in the fourth. Baldwin has started all six games in the season's first week, four at catcher and two at DH, and he's hit second in the order against both lefties and righties. During that hot streak, he's batting .318 (7-for-22) with three homers, six runs and seven RBI.