The fourth-place Washington Nationals, who aren’t sitting where they want to be in the NL East, might have more bad news coming. Max Scherzer suffered a freak accident during batting practice today.

Max Scherzer reportedly broke his nose while attempting to bunt during BP. pic.twitter.com/kdp8T0pfGX

— Ryan Field (@RyanFieldABC) June 18, 2019

Scherzer redirected a pitch toward his face while attempting to lay down a bunt and was then diagnosed with a broken nose, the team announced, according to Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic. Medical staff escorted the right-hander off the field, while Scherzer held a towel to his bloody face.

The three-time Cy Young winner is slated to pitch the evening game of tomorrow’s doubleheader against the Philadelphia Phillies, but obviously, due to the accident, Scherzer’s status is questionable. Scherzer’s replacement would probably be Stephan Strasburg, as he is scheduled to start Thursday.

The timimg couldn’t be any worse. With the all-star break coming around, Scherzer is the midst of yet another incredible season, posting a 2.81 ERA in fifteen games and leading the National League with 136 strikeouts. Which puts him on pace for about 281 to finish the year if he keeps up with his estimated thirty-one starts.

The Nationals are in for a tough stretch, because of Monday’s rainout, they have seven games scheduled over the next six days. Not to mention, they are games against division rivals.

On the bright side. Ryan Zimmerman ran the bases eariler today. First time he has done so since suffering a plantar fasciitis in his right foot. Seems to be he is nearing a minor league rehab.

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