Detroit Tigers fans, take a deep breath. The reigning two-time AL Cy Young winner, Tarik Skubal, has successfully undergone elbow surgery—but the team isn't rushing to set a return date just yet.

The left-handed ace had an arthroscopic procedure on Wednesday, May 6, performed by renowned surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. The operation removed a single loose body—a bone chip—from his left elbow. While the news has generated plenty of buzz around the Motor City, manager A.J. Hinch is keeping things measured.

"I know there's a lot of attention around Tarik and the procedure," Hinch said before Friday's series opener against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. "All reports are positive and optimistic."

Here's where patience becomes key. Though one outside doctor suggested a recovery window ranging from six weeks to six months, the Tigers are taking a cautious approach. They won't establish a timeline until Skubal starts throwing, which won't happen until his incisions have fully healed.

"Everyone is going to want to talk about a timeline," Hinch added. "Everyone is racing to a lot of people that are throwing out timelines. The reality is, the most important step for him is the one that's right in front of him."

For a pitcher who has dominated the league with back-to-back Cy Young seasons, every step matters. As Skubal begins his rehab, Tigers faithful will be watching closely—but for now, the focus is on healing, not the calendar.