(Photo credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images)

Baltimore Orioles left-hander Cade Povich joined a growing list of MLB players calling out social media users who leave vile post or replies critical of on-field performances, some of which include death threats.

Not long after Povich allowed six runs (four earned) in 4 2/3 innings in a 10-7 loss to the Houston Astros on Friday, his wife was subject to an appalling direct message on Instagram.

'I wish I could see you in church so I could kidnap and rape you, and see if your trashy husband does his job properly,' an Instagram user wrote in a post that was shared by Povich. 'Damn you and your damn husband, die of leukemia, trash.'

Povich provided a screenshot of the message along with a response on the social media site X.

'I understand that I may not have performed or have gotten the results that I, my team, or many fans may have wanted so I get the frustration,' Povich wrote. 'Say what you want about me in that regard. However, going out of your way to DM my wife is unacceptable and what is shown in this image is crossing the line. Me, or especially my wife, should not have to worry about our safety in the public, nonetheless church, because of how I perform on the mound.

'I'm coming on here to say something about this because I know my family is not alone. This stuff does not belong in the game.'

Seattle Mariners left-handed reliever Tayler Saucedo received death threats over social media following his rough outing against the host Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday.

Astros right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. and Boston Red Sox righty Liam Hendriks said they each received threatening messages over social media following rough outings in May.

Povich, 25, is 2-7 with a 5.13 ERA in 17 appearances (15 starts) this season. He is 5-16 with a 5.16 ERA in 33 career appearances (31 starts) with the Orioles.

--Field Level Media