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OriolesCade Povich Reveals Violent Threat to Wife, Underscoring MLB’s Online Abuse Problem

Players increasingly blame legalized sports betting together with social media access for a rise in harassment.

Sep 9, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Cade Povich (37) looks on as Boston Red Sox right fielder Rob Refsnyder (30) hits a two run home run in the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images/File photo
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Cade Povich reacts after allowing a run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
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Overview

  • Cade Povich posted a screenshot showing a direct message sent to his wife’s Instagram after his Friday start, calling the attack unacceptable and a safety concern.
  • The message referenced kidnapping and sexual violence and told her to "die of leukemia," which Povich shared alongside a statement on X.
  • Povich’s disclosure followed a 10-7 loss to the Astros in which he allowed six runs (four earned) in 4 2/3 innings at Camden Yards.
  • Similar threats have been reported recently by pitchers including Seattle’s Tayler Saucedo this week, and earlier this season by Lance McCullers Jr. and Liam Hendriks.
  • Coverage cites reporting and a player survey linking increased harassment to legalized sports betting; Lucas Giolito recently raised online bullying with Commissioner Rob Manfred, with no new leaguewide measures reported.