Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. said he and his family received death threats on social media after he allowed seven runs in the first inning of Saturday's game against the Cincinnati Reds.

Social media, gambling, and an angrier society generally may be among the factors, according to Jeff Balke, co-host of the "Bleav in Astros" podcast.

Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. is speaking out after disgruntled fans on social media allegedly sent death threats to him and his family in response to a poor pitching performance on Saturday, May 10.