Blackmon (back) is returning to the lineup Thursday, batting leadoff and taking over in center field.

EDGE Analysis

After missing several games due to some back stiffness, Blackmon will draw back in for Thursday's series opener in San Diego. He'll take up his usual role as the leadoff man and as the center fielder for Colorado. Blackmon has been on an absolute tear since the beginning of August, hitting .360 with a 1.140 OPS, 11 home runs, and six doubles over 114 at-bats.