Rinku Singh Looks to Continue his Improbable Journey

Back in 2008, there was a reality television show in India called Million Dollar Arm. In the program, contestants tried to win $100,000 and the chance to train as a pitcher, in hopes that they could earn a major league contract. Two pitchers from the program, winner Rinku Singh and runner up Dinesh Patel, both javelin throwers, ended up being signed by the Pirates, playing in their minor league system.

It was a nice story, and if it ended there, both pitchers would still have been trailblazers in their country. While Patel returned back to India in hopes of playing on their national team after two years of struggles, Singh actually performed quite well during his time in the minors.

Based on his performance, Rinku Singh would appear as though he could have a future as a reliever. In his minor league career, Singh has posted a 10-6 record with a 2.99 ERA and a 1.256 WHiP. In his 147.1 innings of work, Singh has struck out 126 batters against 41 walks. Why is it that he has not pitched above the South Atlantic League?

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Unfortunately, Singh has struggled with injuries since the end of the 2012 season. He did not pitch during the 2013 season, yet was invited to the Pirates Major League Spring Training camp. Unfortunately, Singh injured his elbow, needing to undergo Tommy John surgery and costing him another season.

If he is to achieve his goal of pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates at the major league level, Rinku Singh will have made yet another amazing journey to reach the big leagues. Going from someone that had never seen a baseball game before he turned 19 to a major league pitcher would be remarkable in its own right, but to do so after a Tommy John surgery would be even more impressive. As it is, Singh has already accomplished more in the minors than could have likely been expected.

Chances are, if he is healthy, Singh will likely renew his minor league career with the Bradenton Marauders, the next step up the ladder. He still has a long way to go, but if Singh can stay healthy and perform like he did before the injuries, he could find himself in Pittsburgh some day.

Most reality television stars are forgotten about the moment their show ends. Rinku Singh, however, could continue to make an impact and be an inspiration in his home country.

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