Dodgers manager Dave Roberts probes Roki Sasaki pitch‑tipping after Padres series

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the club will conduct a “deep dive” to determine whether pitcher Roki Sasaki is tipping his pitches after a rough start against the San Diego Padres. Sasaki surrendered six runs in the first two innings of a game the Dodgers later won 11‑0, and his season numbers include a 5.40 ERA, 75 strikeouts over 75 innings, 45 earned runs, 17 home runs and 32 walks. Roberts emphasized that the investigation does not affect Sasaki’s place in the rotation; the right‑hander will make his next scheduled start. The Dodgers, who hold the best record in MLB, can afford to evaluate Sasaki given their sizable divisional lead. Sasaki is on a one‑year, $800,000 contract, which the team may let expire if his performance does not improve.