PITTSBURGH - Ingrained in starting pitchers is an indifference toward their counterpart. Starters often stress that they are facing an opposing team's lineup, not its starting pitcher. Their focus is squarely on hitters.

McCullers said he had not heard from the person accused of making the threats but would be open to an apology.

Lance McCullers Jr. beats Paul Skenes as he earns his first win since 2022. The Astros shut out the Pirates 3–0 in a stellar pitchers' duel