Lance McCullers Jr. faces death threats toward his family after rough start

In Houston, Texas, on Saturday night, Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. experienced a challenging outing against the Cincinnati Reds, where he allowed seven earned runs in just one-third of an inning. This was his second start since returning from injuries that had sidelined him since the 2022 World Series. The Astros ultimately lost the game 13-9, which stirred up strong emotions among fans. Unfortunately, some fans reacted to McCullers' performance with extreme hostility, resulting in McCullers receiving online death threats targeting his two young daughters. Following the game, McCullers spoke to the media, expressing the emotional toll that such threats take on him as a father. He stated, "I understand people are very passionate and people love the Astros and love sports, but threatening to find my kids and murder them is a little bit tough to deal with." The threats suggested violent actions against his children, which McCullers noted have occurred multiple times throughout his career but emphasized that bringing his family into such threats crosses a line. McCullers has faced a tumultuous season, with his performance being scrutinized due to his struggles with injuries and his attempt to regain his form on the mound. Astros manager Joe Espada publicly spoke out against the death threats directed at McCullers' family, expressing his frustration and sadness that such issues arise in the sport. He highlighted the unfortunate reality that a player’s performance could lead to threats against their family, saying, "It is very unfortunate that we have to deal with this. After all he’s done for this city, for his team, the fact that we have to talk about that in my office — I got kids too and it really drives me nuts that we have to deal with this. Very sad, very, very sad." The Houston Astros organization responded to the situation by notifying both the Houston Police Department and Major League Baseball security about the threats received by McCullers. The support from the organization reflects a recognition of the serious nature of online threats and the need to ensure the safety of players and their families. McCullers is determined to focus on returning to form as a pitcher while coping with the stressful situation surrounding his family. As a father, he emphasizes the importance of decency in sports and hopes for a healthier environment for all involved.