The last available spot in the NL playoff field might come down to the health of an ace. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who trail the St. Louis Cardinals in the wild-card race by a game, are bracing for news that Clayton Kershaw might be out until at least May because of right hip surgery . Kershaw, who was scratched Sunday from a start and has been dealing with pain for about a week, will find out for sure when he gets a second opinion Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have announced that Chris Carpenter will make his first start of the season Friday against the Chicago Cubs. He hasn't pitched since Game 7 of the World Series because of thoracic outlet syndrome, a career-threatening condition which required surgery in July that included the removal of a rib. Talk about a reversal of late-season fortune. But no matter what happens in the pennant race, the Kershaw news has the potential to be a colossal long-term bummer.