The injury-plagued utility player hopes he can salvage his season.

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) – A series of injuries haven’t prompted Jeremy Giambi to take out his frustrations on the nearest water cooler. But it has left the Boston Red Sox’ utility player wishing for what might have been.

“You ask anybody up there (in the majors) and they want to be hitting .330 and playing every day,” said Giambi, who’s been on Boston’s disabled list since June 28 with bursitis in his left shoulder and is now on a rehabilitation assignment with Pawtucket.

He adds: “Sometimes it doesn’t go your way. But these are character builders. These are things you live and learn from.”

The younger brother of New York Yankees’ superstar Jason Giambi, Jeremy Giambi was acquired from Philadelphia in December for minor league pitching prospect Josh Hancock. Expectations were high given his past success, especially the last two years with the Oakland A’s in postseason play.

But a sprained wrist, a jammed foot and then the bursitis limited his playing time. His swing left him. In 43 games, he hit .173 with five home runs and 13 RBI.

“The toughest part is I haven’t had much of an opportunity to play,” Giambi explained. “It’s frustrating, and when you’re struggling, that makes it even tougher.”

Giambi has struggled in Pawtucket, too. In seven games through July 9, he’s hitting .231 (6-26) with one homer and four RBI.

He said he’s just working himself back, and is not worried about the statistics.

“Sometimes everybody gets so results-oriented in this game,” he said. “I think that’s the last thing I should do.

“I look at it in terms of how I’m seeing the ball,” Giambi continued. “Even if the hits aren’t coming but I’m seeing the ball well, and starting to feel comfortable in the box, that’s when I know I’m getting close.”

Giambi has been used only as a designated hitter. He said he’s getting closer to playing in the field thanks to a throwing program designed by trainer Bill Coffey. On his second day in Pawtucket, though, he developed a knot in his right shoulder that forced him to take a day off.

“I’m still positive about this year,” Giambi said.

“I feel like I can come back and salvage my season. I’ve got 21/2 months left, and I’ve got to go after it.”

AP-ES-07-10-03 1553EDT