His demotion came one day after the right-hander gave up six runs in five innings in a loss to Milwaukee and just six days after former Saint Louis School star Brandon League was optioned to the minors by Toronto.

(Two other Hawai'i players — Chris Truby of Kansas City and Tyler Yates of the New York Mets are on the disabled list.)

Williams, a 23-year-old Waipahu High graduate, hadn't been in the minor leagues since June 2003.

"He took it OK," Giants manager Felipe Alou said. "He knows it's a short-term move for his benefit and the benefit of the team. He's not a rookie anymore. He's got some mileage behind him. He needs to address a couple things and we thought it would take him longer here.''

The Giants purchased the contract of right-handed reliever Al Levine to take Williams' roster spot. The team has not announced who will take Williams' spot in the rotation, though it is likely to be another pitcher at Fresno — possibly hot prospect Matt Cain.

Williams was 0-2 with a 6.48 ERA in three starts. He missed time in spring training to visit his father, Glenn Sr., who was seriously ill with the chronic effects of Hepatitis C. Glenn Williams Sr. had kidney and liver transplants and is recovering at his home in Honolulu.

Pitching coach Dave Righetti said the personal distractions were difficult for Williams to overcome.

"He came to camp and he wasn't ready to throw properly," Righetti said. "He caught up late. Then he threw a great first game, which was maybe a little bit of a disservice.''

Righetti and Alou said Williams was not getting full extension on his pitches, which could be a mental barrier caused by elbow surgery last season. Righetti said Williams is "coming up short'' on some pitches by 1 1/2 feet. Also, he is having trouble staying consistent out of the stretch position.

Alou said he wants Williams to work on tightening his breaking ball and Righetti wants him to work on his fastball command. The coaching staff also has asked Williams to be a little quicker to the plate to help control the running game.

Most important, they want Williams to concentrate on throwing over the top. When he throws across his body, he puts too much strain on his elbow and risks another injury.

Williams must remain at Fresno for at least 10 days, unless the Giants bring him back to replace an injured player. It's possible he could make two or three starts for Fresno and return to the Giants.

"You worry about the kid because he's been through a lot,'' Righetti said. "He had arm surgery, his (father's illness). He's been through a lot. You see a strong, healthy kid full of life but you don't know what's going on inside. You hope he comes back fresh minded and ready to go.

"But he can't think he's coming back just when the 10 days are up. ... Jerome's got to fight these other guys off, too.''