Lance McCullers Jr. hires security - 'Have to' protect family - ESPN

HOUSTON — Soon after Lance McCullers Jr.'s family received online death threats following a tough start by the Astros pitcher, his 5-year-old daughter, Ava, overheard wife Kara talking on the phone about it.

What followed was a painful conversation between McCullers and his little girl.

«She asked me when I came home: 'Daddy, like, what is threats? Who wants to hurt us? Who wants to hurt me?'» McCullers told The Associated Press on Wednesday. «So those conversations are tough to deal with.»

McCullers is one of two MLB pitchers whose families have received online death threats this month as internet abuse of players and their families is on the rise. Boston Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks took to social media soon after the incident with McCullers to call out people who were threatening his wife's life and directing «vile» comments at him.

The Astros contacted MLB security and the Houston Police Department following the threats to McCullers. A police spokesperson said Thursday that it remains an ongoing investigation.

McCullers, who has two young daughters, took immediate action after the threats and hired 24-hour security for his family.

«You have to at that point,» he said.

Players from the league agree that online abuse has gotten progressively worse in recent years. Milwaukee's Christian Yelich, a 13-year veteran and the 2018 National League MVP, said receiving online abuse is «a nightly thing» for most players.

«I think over the last few years it's definitely increased,» he said. «It's increased to the point that you're just: 'All right, here we go.' It doesn't even really register on your radar anymore. I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing. You're just so used to that on a day-to-day, night-to-night basis.