Houston police said the man was apologetic for his actions. They said he was intoxicated when he lashed out on social media.
HOUSTON — Houston police said they have identified the person who made threats against Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and his family after a rough outing last month.
It happened Saturday, May 10, and it was McCullers’ first game at Daikin Park in over two years. He wasn’t able to get out of the first inning and was pulled after logging only one out and allowing seven runs.
In a postgame news conference, Astros Manager Joe Espada said people were threatening the life of McCullers and his kids “because of his performance.”
McCullers was visibly shaken when he spoke to reporters after the rough outing.
“I understand people are very passionate and people love the Astros and love sports, but, um, you know, threatening to find my kids and murder them, um, is a little bit tough to deal with,” he said.
On Monday, Houston Police Department investigators said the suspect who made the threats lives overseas and had placed a wager on the game. The man told authorities that he was intoxicated and frustrated when he lashed out on social media.
HPD officials stated that the man apologized for his actions and asked them to apologize to McCullers and his family.
“It’s very unfortunate that we have to deal with this after all he’s (McCullers) done for the city, for this team. The fact that we have to talk about that in my office. I’ve got kids, too, and it really drives me nuts that we have to deal with this. Very sad, very, very sad,” Espada said.
Houston police said they’re still investigating the incident. They didn’t reveal his name or where he lives.
How long had McCullers been out?
McCullers had surgery on June 13, 2023, to repair his right flexor tendon and to remove a bone spur. He threw a bullpen session last June but had a setback and was shut down for the year.
He made his long-awaited return to the mound Sunday, May 4, in Chicago against the White Sox.