Scherzer suffers broken nose after fouling ball off face during BP

The Washington Nationals may be without their ace for his scheduled start Wednesday after Max Scherzer suffered a freak accident during Tuesday's batting practice.

Scherzer redirected a pitch toward his face while attempting to lay down a bunt and was subsequently 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 Wednesday's doubleheader against the Philadelphia Phillies, but Tuesday's accident has made Scherzer's status questionable.

Scherzer, 34, is in the midst of yet another incredible season, posting a 2.81 ERA and 2.27 FIP over 15 starts while leading the National League with 136 strikeouts.