In a post-game news conference, Astros Manager Joe Espada said people were threatening the life of Lance McCullers Jr. and his kids “because of his performance.”
HOUSTON — Lance McCullers Jr. made his long-awaited return to the mound Saturday against the Reds — but it was a very tough night.
McCullers made his home debut after starting for the Astros against the White Sox on Sunday. Before then, he hadn’t pitched in a Major League Baseball game since Game 5 of the 2022 World Series.
In Saturday’s game, he only lasted 1/3 of an inning and was tagged for seven earned runs, including a 3-run blast by Elly De La Cruz.
The Astros ended up giving up 10 runs in the first inning. The Reds held on for a 13-9 win against the Astros.
In a post-game news conference, Astros Manager Joe Espada said people were threatening the life of McCullers and his kids “because of his performance.”
“It’s very unfortunate. That we have to deal with this after all he’s done for the city, for this 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,” Espada said. “I understand people are very passionate and people love the Astros and love sports, but, you know, threatening to uh find my kids and murder them um is a little bit tough to deal with.”
How long has 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.