Giambi arrives; Contreras to throw Saturday

The Rockies touted their veteran reinforcements on Tuesday, the beginning of what promises to be a mad dash that they hope will end in a playoff berth.

Left-handed swinging pinch-hitter Jason Giambi, who was released by the Athletics last month, joined the Rockies after a few days at Triple-A Colorado Springs to regain his swing. He hit home runs in his last two games with the Sky Sox.

“There is no small role when you’re in a pennant race,” Giambi said.

Rockies manager Jim Tracy also announced that right-hander Jose Contreras, who was acquired from the White Sox for Minor League right-hander Brandon Hynick on Monday night, will start Saturday against the D-backs and is in line to pitch against the Reds when the next turn in the rotation comes. Contreras is filling in for Aaron Cook (sore right shoulder), who played catch on Tuesday with no problems.

Also being promoted from Colorado Springs are left-handed reliever Randy Flores, righty reliever Joel Peralta and catcher Paul Phillips. All had their moments with the Rockies earlier this season.

Other possibilities for the Rockies this month are right-handers Russ Ortiz and Jhoulys Chacin, both of whom are helping Colorado Springs in its attempt to earn a playoff berth.