The Houston Police Department has identified the man behind recent death threats made to Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and his family. Police report that a man located outside the United States who was intoxicated and had gambled on a game in May was responsible for the threats directed at McCullers, per ESPN.

A spokesperson for the department on Monday declined to identify the suspect or his location and said no charges had been filed. The spokesperson told ESPN that the man admitted that he had been gambling on an Astros game, lost money and was frustrated and inebriated when he sent the threats to McCullers.

The man subsequently issued an apology and requested that it be conveyed to McCullers and his family.

The incident occurred after the game on May 10, which marked McCullers’ second start since returning from an injury that had sidelined him for two years due to significant surgery and recovery. During that game, McCullers faced challenges, giving up seven runs and recording only one out. He remarked, “I understand people are very passionate and love the Astros and sports, but threatening to find my kids and murder them is a little difficult to handle”. He further expressed, “As a father, threats involving my kids are tough to hear.” - Translation: Very difficult for me as a father to hear.

Following the threats, the Astros have implemented 24-hour security for McCullers and his family.

Since returning to the field, McCullers has performed better, contributing to the Astros’ victories in his three starts, achieving a 3.14 ERA along with 22 strikeouts over 14⅓ innings.