DETROIT (Interstat) — The Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers open a three-game series Friday night at Comerica Park, two teams separated by a half-game in the standings but united by a desire to climb out of the American League basement.

Toronto (19-24) holds a slim edge over Detroit (19-25), though both clubs enter the weekend below .500.

Right-hander Trey Yesavage (1-1, 3.86 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Blue Jays. Yesavage has been a key piece in a rotation that has helped Toronto win two of its last three games, including Wednesday’s 5-3, 10-inning victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Tigers will counter with a starter to be announced.

First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. EDT under clear skies. The temperature at game time is forecast at 64 degrees.

While Yesavage takes the mound, the player to watch for Toronto is right-hander Dylan Cease. Although Cease is not scheduled to start Friday, he has been dominant in his last three appearances. On May 13, Cease threw seven innings against the Rays, allowing one earned run and striking out nine. He did not allow a run in seven innings May 8 against the Los Angeles Angels and scattered seven hits and three earned runs across seven innings May 2 at Minnesota.

For Detroit, infielder Gage Workman has been the team’s most consistent hitter, particularly in a 9-4 loss Thursday at the New York Mets. Workman went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. He also homered May 10 against the Kansas City Royals, going 1-for-2 with two RBIs in a 6-3 win.

The Blue Jays won Wednesday’s series finale against the Rays behind Cease’s seven-inning start and four RBIs from center fielder Daulton Varsho, who hit a home run.

Detroit has lost four of its last five games, including a 9-4 defeat Thursday. The Tigers allowed at least nine runs in three of those losses.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 4-3 Toronto victory. The Blue Jays hold a 52.3 percent win probability according to Interstat’s ELO system.

Toronto is a -1.5 favorite on the run line. The over/under is 8 runs.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday before Toronto travels to New York for a four-game set against the Yankees. Detroit returns home Monday to open a four-game series against the Cleveland Guardians.