Worsening Eye Infection Forces Bob Costas Off Olympic Prime Time Tuesday

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Bob Costas was hoping to pitch a complete game at the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

But with an infection that has spread to his other eye, the veteran broadcaster is making a call to the bullpen.

"I don't know if you're aware of this or not, but you're Mariano Rivera -- at least tonight," Costas told Matt Lauer on air Tuesday morning.

Lauer appeared surprised: "So I'm stepping in for you tonight, the master of Olympic prime time?"

The games have taken a back seat at times to other storylines in Sochi, including the double-dose of Costas conjunctivitis.

"I'm walking around and I might as well be playing Marco Polo," Costas said. "I have no idea where I am."

It'll be the first time since 1998 that Costas won't be hosting an Olympic broadcast in prime time, according to NBC Sports.

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