CHICAGO – Luis García Jr. is still dealing with a sore right wrist, so that means Darren Baker gets to start his first major league game tonight, in a ballpark very familiar to the rookie infielder.

Baker will start at second base for the Nationals in their series opener against the Cubs, the first time he’s had a chance to be in the lineup since making his big league debut earlier this month. That it happens to be taking place at Wrigley Field, where two decades ago his father managed for four seasons, was coincidence and fortuitous timing. But it nevertheless makes for a nice moment for the 25-year-old.

“It just kind of happened,” manager Davey Martinez said. “After last night, with Luis still sore, I said Darren’s going to play second today. I wanted to give him an opportunity. And if Luis doesn’t get better, I might (continue to) let him play second against righties.”

García has dealt with a sore wrist at multiple points during the season, and it got worse when he took a swing in the third inning of Tuesday night’s game against the Mets. He departed an inning later and sat out Wednesday’s game as well.

The Nationals were hopeful García would be ready to return tonight, but Martinez described the condition of his wrist as “the same” as it has been. At this late stage of the season, they won’t take any chances.