Houston Police Department said Monday that detectives within the major offenders division are investigating the threats against McCullers.

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.

After Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr.'s struggles in Saturday's loss to the Cincinnati Reds, he and his family were put through a harrowing experience.