Pillar is leading off Thursday against the Rangers, Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

Michael Saunders is out of Thursday's lineup, allowing Pillar to jump from the seven hole to the leadoff spot. Pillar has been heating up at the plate, with seven hits -- four for extra bases -- over his last five games. If Saunders were to slip a little offensively, Pillar would be the obvious choice to lead off on a regular basis.