Nationals begin series at Arizona

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park, Sunday, May 6, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)The Nationals begin a four-game series Thursday at first-place Arizona, which took two of three from Washington in late April at Nationals Park.

Here are three things to look for in the series:

Batting order

Will Bryce Harper continue to bat leadoff?

Harper got the night off Wednesday as the Nationals lost 2-1 in San Diego, just the second loss in 10 games for Washington.

Manager Dave Martinez put Harper in the leadoff spot on May 1 and the Nationals won four straight games and seven of eight. Harper…