The point is that Pillar is projected to be below average, didn't provide anything worthy of being a #1 hitter in 2015, and doesn't even have some blazing hot streak going (even going back to ST) to justify his lineup promotion. His performance thus far isn't some eye-opening surprise, and Gibby probably doesn't realize that feeling the need to treat his lead off hitter like a NL pitcher AB is a big, red flag that this setup isn't ideal.