Veteran right-hander Ryan Dempster will make his second straight opening day start for the Chicago Cubs, facing the Washington Nationals and Stephen Strasburg at Wrigley Field on April 5.

Dempster, 10-14 with a 4.80 ERA last season in 34 starts, got the nod Friday from manager Dave Sveum over Matt Garza.

In the season opener a year ago, Dempster was the losing pitcher against the Pittsburgh Pirates, giving up six runs and six hits in 6 2-3 innings.