Pirates SS Jordy Mercer leaves game with head and ear discomfort

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jordy Mercer left Sunday night's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the end of the first inning with head and right ear discomfort.

Mercer was injured when he slid into second base and got tangled with Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley while successfully breaking up an attempted double play on David Freese's ground ball to shortstop.

Mercer singled to lead off the inning, extending his hitting streak to 11 games.

Right fielder Sean Rodriguez moved to shortstop to take Mercer's place. Adam Frazier entered the game in right field.