Scutaro’s rise: if shoe fits

The Giants unwittingly cornered the market on second basemen with uneven legs.

Marco Scutaro said Tuesday he believes the lower-back injury that contributed to his slow start was related to his right leg being a half-inch shorter than his left.

Scutaro has begun to improve at the plate as his back has improved. Perhaps not coincidentally, Scutaro just took delivery of a custom right cleat made with a centimeter-thick layer of rubber between the insole and the sole.

“I’ve been waiting for somebody to do something like this,” Scutaro said. “As long as I keep my legs even, I’m fine.”

Scutaro knew his legs were uneven since his back first locked up while playing basketball at 14. But he was surprised to learn how much longer his left leg was when he was measured in spring training.

The difference is not nearly as much as Freddy Sanchez’s. Sanchez had a much smaller right leg and foot because of childhood surgery to repair defects that he had since birth.

Scutaro said his hips are uneven when he does not correct the difference, which strains his lower back. He has placed orthotics in his right show to raise the leg, but they are uncomfortable. He said the shoe works perfectly and he has ordered more.

He learned through a chance conversation with the shoe representative that his company designed the elevated shoe for another major-leaguer with a similar issue.

Scutaro extended his hitting streak to seven games with a double and single Tuesday. He is 12-for-26 (.462) during the streak.

He batted .215 beforehand. Briefly: The Giants optioned reliever Jean Machi to Triple-A Fresno to clear space for Jose Mijares, who was activated from the restricted list. Manager Bruce Bochy said the staff thought it needed a five-man bench more than a 13th reliever. … Hunter Pence is the only Giant to start all 33 games.