Chico Outlaws knuckleballer Eri Yoshida, saw her season draw to a close after the conclusion of the 2010 schedule on Thursday.
The 18-year-old Yoshida, who became the first Japanese woman to play for a professional men's baseball team while playing in the U.S. independent Golden Baseball League this season, skipped her scheduled mound appearance due to discomfort in her right shoulder against the Calgary Vipers but threw a bullpen session prior to the game.
She has been working on her mechanics with Chico manager Garry Templeton, but Yoshida will most likely miss the upcoming playoffs since she is not at 100 percent.
"I want to really establish my form and find a pitching style that doesn't put a strain on my shoulder," said Yoshida.
Known as "Knuckle Princess" on both sides of the Pacific, Yoshida said she feels she has developed as a player, despite finishing the season with an 0-4 record.
"It (the season) was intense and long. There were disappointments along the way but I feel I have grown because I realize now that if I would have done things differently I would have had a better result."
Yoshida debuted for the Outlaws in an 8-6 win against the Tijuana Cimarrones in their home stadium on May 29. The crowd supported her from the opening pitch when former major leaguer Ivan Ochoa laid down a bunt single, drawing boos from the stands.
It was the first appearance by a woman in American professional baseball since Ila Borders in 2000.
Yoshida became the first Japanese woman to play pro baseball alongside men when she made a relief appearance for the Kobe 9 Cruise in the Kansai Independent League in March 2009.