"Manager Dusty Baker said Friday that Aaron Harang might start Tuesday against Milwaukee, which would make the right-hander eligible for the playoffs.

The postseason roster deadline is Tuesday.

Here is how Baker phrased it:

"Aaron, right now we got him on a (strengthening) program where we're thinking he will possibly make a … be eligible to make a start on the 31st. … and also making him eligible for the playoffs."

Harang was knocked around in two rehab starts at Louisville (0-2, 9.00 ERA in 11 innings) but said he is fine physically. He was put on the disabled list July 6 with lower back problems.

"The ball's coming out of my hand well," Harang said. "I haven't had any issues with my back."

Homer Bailey is the scheduled starter for Tuesday now, with Johnny Cueto listed Wednesday. Baker did not indicate how the rotation might change if Harang starts.

Harang said minor league hitters often step up their games when a major leaguer comes down for rehab.

"They know you're going to be around the plate, to begin with," Harang said. "They come out hacking."

Baker seconded that.

"I know people say he didn't pitch well down in Triple A, but I don't know a lot of big league veterans who do," Baker said. "I used to watch Don Sutton and Big Daddy (Rick) Reuschel and those guys, and they hated pitching against those kids."

Harang (6-7, 5.02 ERA) is tired of just watching.

"After a little while, you don't want to be the cheerleader any more. You want to be back out there.""