As Blue Jays continue to surge, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hasn't kept pace

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The good times keep rolling for the Blue Jays, a team many felt would be rolled over when its offence was rendered completely inept.

As they enjoy an off day before a three-game series in Philadelphia awaits — beginning with Friday night’s 6:45 p.m. first pitch — it’s worth noting how this run of edge-of-your-seats entertainment started on May 28 in Arlington, Tex.

The evening began with Bo Bichette out of the starting lineup because of back tightness.

It would end with Bichette used as a pinch-hitter with one out in the ninth inning in a 0-0 game.

He went deep for a two-run blast to give the Jays a 2-0 win on a night when five pitchers combined on a one-hitter.

That moment would help catapult the Jays to their four-game sweep of the Athletics, help ignite a 2-1 series win over the Phillies and serve as the impetus for the team’s current 5-1 trip.

Since that night in Texas, the Jays have gone 11-2.

The team’s pitching has held up, despite Bowden Francis’ struggles, closer Jeff Hoffman being so prone to serving up longballs and the absence of a bonafide starter outside of the Big 3 of Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman.

Alejandro Kirk suddenly has emerged as the team MVP. Addison Barger has the earmarks of a major-league thumper and George Springer’s renaissance seems real.

The list goes on, which includes Ernie Clement and the remaining unheralded cast that has taken turns in stepping up in big moments.

The bullpen has been kept together in the wake of challenges.

But still, no one is quite sure if this streak is sustainable.

For now, no one should be overly concerned because the Blue Jays have become must-see TV.

“Every time we get punched in the mouth, we punch right back,’’ Clement told reporters following Wednesday’s win in St. Louis. “That’s just so exciting when (opponents) score a run and you score two. It’s the most fun we’ve had as a group this year and in past years.”

While no one can argue with anything Clement had to say, there nonetheless are some matters that have to be corrected.

Pitching is right at the top because no team can sustain what is, in effect, a three-man starting staff.

When Francis is scheduled to make the start Saturday, it will loom as his biggest during his brief big-league career. The Jays have survived, in fact they’ve thrived, on bullpen days, but no one believes this can be a long-term solution.

And somehow the Blue Jays have been able to go on their current run with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. lacking that thump factor.

While his US $500-million contract extension doesn’t kick in until next season, Vladdy Jr. needs to provide some pop to the offence.

He was given the day off in the series finale at Busch Stadium, but the Jays managed to complete their sweep of the Cards without him.

During this run, which has seen the 38-30 Jays move into second place in the AL East and within four games of the division-leading New York Yankees, Jonatan Clase and Tyler Heineman have as many homers (one each) as Guerrero.

During this run, Clement has gone yard three times while driving in seven runs on 10 extra-base hits. Barger has launched five home runs and driven in 11 runs. Kirk has produced 12 RBI, while going yard twice.

Bichette has 13 RBI as does George Springer, who has knocked in at least one run in six straight games. Combined, the pair have hit eight home runs and produced 13 extra-base hits.

Meanwhile, Guerrero has recorded five extra-base hits and seven RBI.

Not to dismiss Vlad Jr.’s play, but more is needed knowing this team can only rely on players many deemed situational for only so long. One has to tip their hat for Vlad Jr. for stealing second twice during this run, but it is an indictment knowing he has more base swipes than belts.

Granted, the Jays have persevered through the injury absences to Anthony Santander and Daulton Varsho, have pieced together a pitching staff without the services of Max Scherzer — who is scheduled to start Friday night in Buffalo as part of his rehab assignment — and Yimi Garcia.

No one can take away the gains this team has made in the past two weeks and no one should forget the fine line this team is trying to navigate.

A slugging Vlad Jr. is more than capable of pushing the Jays over the line, but he has to produce. Getting on base by forging a career-high streak is commendable, but a big moment in the clutch has been elusive.

In many ways, the Jays have been able to excel during this run in spite of Vlad Jr.

He’s the face of the franchise and will be for the entirety of his major-league career, but he must face the fact that more is needed at the plate.

Hopefully two days off, including Thursday, will recharge his power because eight home runs on the season simply won’t cut it.

fzicarelli@postmedia.com