Giambi's rehab altered by rainy weather

OAKLAND -- The rainy conditions here this week have forced veteran Jason Giambi to alter his rehab schedule.

The original plan was to have Giambi (on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured rib in his right side) taking normal batting practice on Monday. Giambi has been forced to stay indoors over the past couple days, and he said Tuesday that he will meet with manager Terry Francona when the team returns to Cleveland to discuss the plan going forward.

Francona said Giambi might require a brief Minor League rehab assignment.

"I want to sit and talk to 'G,'" Francona said. "I don't think he's going to be a big proponent of [a rehab assignment]. Saying that, when a guy's been down for a month -- I think he had [six plate appearances in Spring Training] -- we'll see. If anything, it's certainly not going to be extended. We'll see. We'll talk."

The 43-year-old Giambi was struck in the side by a pitch from Cubs starter Edwin Jackson on March 7, effectively ending the designated hitter's Spring Training. Giambi said he needs to run the bases, simulate a pinch-hitting situation and do other baseball activities before he can rejoin Cleveland's active roster.

"I'll come back when I can stand here and say that I know I can help the team," Giambi said on Tuesday. "I still have some things I need to do first. There's only so much you can do in the cage. It'll be good to get back home. We'll sit down and talk things over in Cleveland."