Don’t look now, but Aaron Harang’s going out on a roll

Now this is easy to miss, or maybe dismiss.

It’s been that kind of season for Aaron Harang. Mostly he’s been fine. Nothing special, nothing appalling. Just sort of out there in the middle somewhere.

A .500 pitcher who can mostly keep you in games, but is unlikely to shut down anyone. A pleasant guy. For someone who’s been around and healthy all season, I can’t think of anyone I’ve written less about.

His record is 10-10. His ERA is 3.61. About what the Dodgers likely expected when they signed him in the off-season for two years at $12 million, although the ERA is a career-low.

Only, Harang has rather quietly wrapped his debut season with the Dodgers on something of a high note. Which is not to say he’s been dominating or anything, but he’s been better than just OK.

In his last eight starts, Harang has posted a 3.12 ERA. He hasn’t allowed more than three runs in a game since July 14. Of course, he’s only averaged 5 2/3 innings per start in that 13-game stretch, but it’s not like teams have been beating him up either.

Keeping in line with his seeming mediocrity, his record is a so-so 4-5 since July 14. But if the Dodgers’ offense had even resembled the unit it’s expected to be, his record could easily have been more impressive.

He was not involved in the decision Monday night in his 31st start, despite holding the Giants to one run on just two hits in his six innings.

That was a pretty good way to end his season. And, really, better than a little OK.

ALSO:

Elian Herrera walk-off single keeps Dodgers alive, 3-2

Couldn’t any team but Giants be poised to eliminate Dodgers?

Same ol’ James Loney in Boston, which may want him back anyway