Marco Scutaro probably checks the Blue Jays' lineup card before every game out of habit, but he doesn't really have to these days. Besides the rare day off, Scutaro knows his name will be listed in the leadoff spot and that he will be heading out to man shortstop.
It's a change from the previous seven seasons of Scutaro's career, which has been defined by his ability to serve as a versatile role player off the bench. This year, Toronto has handed him the everyday job at short and has asked him to be the lineup's table setter.
Scutaro has said having that knowledge up front has made a big difference for him.
"Definitely, especially mentally. It's totally different," Scutaro said Saturday. "When you play off the bench, you might play once a week and you want to get two hits in one at-bat, because you know the next day you won't be playing.
"When you play every day, it doesn't matter if you go 0-for-4. You know you're going to come back the next day and make the adjustments."
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