As momentum keeps building, Blue Jays need to add pitching depth as July 31 trade deadline nears

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A defining stretch for the Blue Jays is about to begin as they continue to enjoy the view atop the AL East.

Following the team’s upcoming three-game series against the visiting Bronx Bombers, the Jays will be in Detroit for a four-game set before heading to Baltimore for a four-game series.

By the time the Jays return home on Aug. 1 to play host to the Kansas City Royals, the July 31 trade deadline will have passed.

This year, the Jays are expected to be buyers, as opposed to last season, when the team’s fortunes were much different and decidedly dour.

Pitching remains that elusive element every team covets, especially the Blue Jays, who could use an extra starting pitcher and another high-leverage reliever.

Hitting isn’t that far behind.

An encouraging sign emerged Sunday when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his first home run since June 29.

That June 29 belt in Boston did seem to provide a jolt to Vlad Jr., who went on to drive in three runs in the series opener against the Yankees the next day — part of a four-game sweep.

If history is to be repeated, Vlad Jr. needs to be a presence at the plate.

Anthony Santander is back with the team and was in the dugout as he continues to deal with a shoulder injury.

Daulton Varsho is making his way back following a hamstring injury.

Say what you want about Vlad Jr., but his primary ability has been his availability, which shouldn’t be viewed as some game-changing feature because everyone knows he must come at least close to that air carrier status befitting a franchise face.

In the 13 games following his three-RBI game against the Yankees heading into the series finale against the San Francisco Giants, Vlad Jr. drove in a total of two runs.

Since his homer at Fenway Park, Vlad Jr. had three total extra-base hits before he took Robbie Ray deep in the first inning on Sunday, the first of three home runs the Jays hit.

The way the likes of Bo Bichette, George Springer (who is closing in on his home run and RBI numbers from last season), and Addison Barger have been swinging the bat, hitting may not necessarily be among the most pressing issues the team will have to address as the July 31 trade deadline approaches.

Vlad Jr. changes the whole dynamic, but he needs to be launching balls and not simply hitting sharply hit balls that excite fans fixated on exit velocity.

The major area that has to be filled somehow is pitching, which is easier said than done.

After leading 7-2, the Jays allowed the Giants to score four runs in the sixth inning, casting doubt on what looked to be a sure victory.

Vlad Jr. drove in Springer to produce the game’s final run.