Houston's Lance 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.

Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. hired 24-hour security for his family after receiving online death threats earlier this month. The Astros informed MLB security and Houston police after McCullers was threatened on social media following a 13-9 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on May 10.