Individual Accused of Sending Death Threats to Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. is an Overseas Bettor

An overseas gambler is accused of sending threatening emails to Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr.

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McCullers was making his second appearance May 10 following a nearly 2.5-year absence due to arm surgery. He recorded just one out and surrendered seven earned runs in a 13-9 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.

After the game, McCullers received social media death threats pointed at him and his family. The AP reported that the Astros responded by hiring 24-hour security for McCullers’ family.

“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,” McCullers said.

From MassLive:

The Houston Police Department has since located the overseas bettor who sent the threats, telling ESPN the man was upset and intoxicated while making the threats after losing a bet on the Astros.

The man requested that an apology be passed along to the McCullers family; the case remains open with the possibility of charges being filed.

According to the Associated Press, McCullers’ wife was discussing the threats on the phone, and his 5-year-old daughter overheard the conversation.

“She asked me when I came home, ‘Daddy, like, what is threats? Who wants to hurt us? Who wants to hurt me?’” McCullers said. “So, those conversations are tough to deal with.”