"Clayton Kershaw might not be the Dodgers' opening-day starter next year.

If Kershaw must undergo surgery to repair his ailing right hip, he isn't expected to be pitching in the major leagues until the middle of May, according to people familiar with his condition who were not authorized to speak publicly about it.

Kershaw's decision on whether to have an operation will be made after Kershaw receives a second opinion from Dr. Bryan Kelly on Tuesday in New York. Kershaw was unable to make his scheduled start for the Dodgers on Sunday.

Kershaw, 24, has been the Dodgers' starter in each of their last two season openers."