Blackmon making most of opportunities

LOS ANGELES -- While the starters get the bulk of the recognition, a baseball season is lengthy and forces teams to rely on contributions from their role players.

In his past couple of starts, Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon has stepped up.

Blackmon went 2-for-4 against the Dodgers on Friday night and has six hits in his last 17 at-bats, raising his batting average from .182 to .256 in the process.

"I've been feeling a little more comfortable and I think it's showed up on the field, offensively especially," Blackmon said.

Part of Blackmon's recent success stems from his preparation.

While preparation is important for all players, it is especially crucial for someone like Blackmon, who may enter the game late and only get one crack at an opposing pitcher.

"I do a lot of stuff on video to where I feel like I have a good idea of what a pitcher looks like or what his arsenal is before I get in there, because I'm not going to have three at-bats off the guy, it might just be one."

When Blackmon does start a game and gets multiple at-bats, he needs to make sure he makes the most of his opportunities. Arriving at the park without knowing exactly how he will be used on any given day is certainly a challenge for Blackmon, but it is one he relishes.

"I think it's one of those things that you have to embrace to be good at and that's the way I approach it," Blackmon said. "I think that while it might be easier to play every day, it's harder to succeed playing in a limited role. I look at it as a challenge and really try to see that."