It’s a good thing NBC had Ahmed Fareed warming up in the bullpen on Saturday so he could step in and relieve Mike Tirico. Tirico began hosting NBC’s coverage of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, but it was clear immediately that he did not sound right.

Mike Tirico stepped away from his role as NBC’s host for the Kentucky Derby for at least a portion of the coverage due to an unspecified illness.

NBC Sports host Mike Tirico said Monday he is feeling fine after having to leave the Kentucky Derby broadcast early over the weekend because of a strong reaction to a nut allergy. “I’ve had a nut allergy my whole life and am usually very,