The Astros right-hander pitched six scoreless innings to get his first win since Sept. 21, 2022, as Houston beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-0. McCullers missed the 2023 and 2024 seasons because of injuries and had not won in five starts this year since being activated from the injured list on May 4.

Police say a frustrated bettor was behind the death threats directed at Houston Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr. and his family after a poor outing by the pitcher in May.