Injury - Jeff Nelson Leaves When Dirt Launches Into Eye

Umpire Jeff Nelson received a direct deflection of dirt into his eyes during Monday's Rockies-Pirates game, resulting in his early departure from the contest just innings after Pirates starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong left the game upon taking a pitched ball to the head.

With one out and two on in the bottom of the 3rd inning, Pirates baserunner R3 Francisco Cervelli attempted to score on an infield ground ball, Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado throwing to catcher Tony Wolters as Cervelli slid feet-first toward home plate. Replays indicate that as Nelson positioned himself to receive the play, dirt from Cervelli's slide kicked up and into the crew chief's eyes, causing a temporary halt of play, but not before Nelson called Cervelli out on the tag.

Umpires Ben May (1B), Cory Blaser (2B), and Doug Eddings (3B) officiated the remainder of the game in a three-person alignment, Blaser and Eddings manning the bases as May moved to the home plate position.

Alternate Link: Nelson gets dirt in his left eye, removing him from the game (PIT)