Stubbs back in starting lineup

ARLINGTON -- Rockies center fielder Drew Stubbs was back in the starting lineup Thursday night after three-hit games against the Rangers on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Stubbs, a right-handed hitter whose playing time was reduced by the emergence of and lineup need for left-swinging Charlie Blackmon, entered Thursday night hitting .323 in 28 games. As has been the case for much of his career, his strikeouts are high (17 in 65 at-bats), but he does do damage with contact -- two home runs and five doubles. He also is a stolen-base threat. He has two and is a threat for more with regular playing time.

"It's just been a few games [of success], but before that even occurred I felt pretty good up there," Stubbs said. "I felt a good stretch was coming. It's nice to have some fall in. It kind of puts you in a groove when you get some balls to fall in for you, then you put some good swings on some balls."