Pillar said he and the Jays organization hid the fact that he was playing with a "torn thumb" for a majority of last season's second half, the Toronto Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pillar acknowledged that the torn thumb ligament -- an injury he suffered in early August while sliding into second base -- never fully healed last season, despite a short stint on the DL. "You don't want your opponent to know that you're hurt. If people knew that I was playing with a torn thumb, maybe they'd pitch me differently, maybe I'm not as effective. It wasn't the same as playing with two hands, but I don't use it as an excuse," Pillar said. The Jays' center fielder has never been known for his power at the dish, but the .333 slugging percentage Pillar posted after the 2016 All-Star break was significantly below the .401 mark he achieved during the campaign's first half. The 28-year-old says he's completely healthy now, and if Pillar's spring effort is any indication, it appears he's telling the truth. Through 18 Grapefruit League at-bats, Pillar is hitting .444/.500/.667 with four doubles. If Devon Travis (knee) begins the season on the DL -- and Travis is headed down that path -- Pillar may be the team's leadoff hitter on Opening Day.