Victor Caratini starts at DH and Nico Hoerner at second base in the Cubs’ opener against the Brewers

Victor Caratini will be the first Chicago Cubs designated in Wrigley Field history on Friday on opening night against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Manager David Ross also inserted rookie Nico Hoerner at second base against right-hander Brandon Woodruff, sitting left-handed-hitting Jason Kipnis.

Asked about the lineup decision, Ross said: “I put Nico in there because I like him in there. It’s my call. I get to make that decision now.”

Ross said he was excited about his first official game as manager after being hired in October, adding he had “chills down my spine” when he saw his jersey hanging up in his office.

“I’m almost relieved,” he said. “There was a (time) three weeks ago you didn’t know how this thing was going to go. It really has been a daily process with a lot of conversations in between that had nothing to do with baseball. I’m so proud of the work our guys have put in, the attitude they brought every day, the commitment to the work. I couldn’t be happier with that, and now I get to do it for real.

“There’s no distractions once we get to play ball at 6:05. No other decisions to make other than what’s going on on the field. I’m anxious, nervous, excited, you know those little butterflies you get about opening day. ... Well, here we go.”

Here is the Cubs lineup:

Bryant 3B

Rizzo 1B

Baez SS

Schwarber LF

Contreras C

Heyward RF

Caratini DH

Hoerner 2B

Happ CF

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