"If Jason Giambi doesn't heat up at the plate, it won't be because the Rockies denied him ample time.

Giambi is 2-for-22, including 0-for-7 as a pinch hitter, with 10 strikeouts. But there will be no Chris Iannetta-like rush to judgment with the former American League MVP.

"Let's be fair about this," Rockies manager Jim Tracy said. "I've asked him to do about as difficult a duty as there is for anybody on this team to have to do. His offensive opportunity up to this point has been very sporadic."

That will change soon enough, beginning May 21-23 at Kansas City, when Giambi is scheduled to be the Rockies' designated hitter in an interleague series against the Royals.

"That's something that will help him immensely," Tracy said. "We will not jump the gun, and we will not jump to conclusions. . . . Because a guy like that, with his resume, he's one good swing away from being the hottest, most dangerous hitter on the club.""