DETROIT (Interstat) — The New York Yankees open a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers on Monday at Comerica Park with first pitch set for 6:40 p.m. under cloudy skies and a temperature of 71 degrees. The Yankees (46-30) are expected to start Gerrit Cole (1-1) or Framber Valdez (3-5), though Detroit had not announced its probable pitcher as of Sunday. The Tigers (33-44) will counter with right-hander Keider Montero, who is coming off a win in his last start. New York enters the game on a two-game losing streak, most recently dropping a 4-1 decision Sunday to the Cincinnati Reds. Reliever Paul Blackburn worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings in that loss, continuing a strong stretch: Blackburn has allowed one earned run over his past 7 1/3 innings across four appearances. The Yankees took two of three from the Reds in that series but have lost four of their last six. Detroit defeated the Chicago White Sox 5-4 in 10 innings Sunday, with Montero (3-5, 4.18 ERA) earning the win after pitching seven innings, allowing three runs on six hits with three strikeouts. The Tigers have won three straight and five of their last six, climbing within 10 1/2 games of first-place Cleveland in the AL Central. Blackburn, a former starter now working out of the bullpen, has been a bright spot for New York. In his last seven appearances dating to May 29, he owns a 2.57 ERA across 11 2/3 innings, striking out seven while holding opponents to a .192 batting average. Montero, meanwhile, has been inconsistent but showed ace-like form June 11 against Minnesota, tossing 6 1/3 shutout innings. Over his past three starts, he has a 2.35 ERA with nine strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings. The Tigers’ offense has been led recently by catcher Dillon Dingler, who homered and drove in two runs Sunday. The Interstat game simulator projects the Yankees winning 7-4. New York is a -1.5 favorite, with an over/under of 7.5 runs. Both teams play again Tuesday at Comerica Park, then the Yankees head to Boston for a four-game series beginning Thursday. The Tigers return home to host Houston in a four-game set starting Thursday.