To pitch to Harper or not pitch to Harper — that is the Giants’ question The Giants will face interesting strategic decisions as they play the Nationals seven times over their next 10 games, starting Thursday night at AT&T Park. Do they pitch to 2015 National League MVP Bryce Harper, who is stuck in a lengthy slump, or give him the Joe Maddon treatment? The Cubs manager had his pitchers walk Harper 13 times in a four-game series in early May. Harper had one hit in the four at-bats he got. The Cubs did not bother to hide their unwillingness to throw him a strike. In the series finale, they walked him intentionally three times. Manager Bruce Bochy has said he does want to send his pitchers the message that he does not trust them to pitch to any particular hitter. Every team looks at hitters on clubs you don't want to beat you. Bruce thriving: A Giants official said weeks ago the club tried to call the Reds about Jay Bruce and got no answer. The Giants now indicate that with Hunter Pence's imminent return they are not shopping for starting outfielders. Tucker Barnhart's fifth-inning sacrifice fly ended Bumgarner's home shutout streak at 19 innings.