Major League Baseball secretly used 2 different types of baseballs last season  — An astrophysicist has collected and taken apart MLB game balls for years, looking for changes.  — She found MLB secretly used two different balls, one lighter than the other, in 2021.

Ravens film study: The most surprising part of QB Lamar Jackson's struggles?  Where they're happening.  —  After the lowest-rated passing game of his career, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was asked for a common denominator.  He had just thrown four interceptions.  What, if anything, did the plays have in common?

After a whirlwind of spending, the MLB lockout will give Rangers plenty of time to plan next steps  —  Texas has a lot more to think about.  —  This is how it will work.  On Wednesday afternoon, the Rangers will officially introduce the Half-A-Billion Boys at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

Daniel Jones week-to-week with neck strain; Mike Glennon expected to start Sunday; Giants sign Jake Fromm  —  Daniel Jones is considered week-to-week with a neck strain, the Daily News has learned, and Giants backup quarterback Mike Glennon is expected to start Sunday against the Dolphins in Miami.

Brian Kelly demands 7 a.m. meeting with Notre Dame players after he suddenly left them for LSU  —  Brian Kelly's now-former players at Notre Dame willingly signed up to play for a coach who has a long track record of throwing people under the bus.  They probably just wish Tuesday morning's bus had a slightly later departure.

Sources: Expanded playoffs, draft lottery proposals in CBA negotiations  —  Major League Baseball's expanded playoff proposal, as part of a new collective bargaining agreement between owners and players, includes the ability for division winners to pick their wild-card opponent, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.

Steelers place OLB T.J. Watt on reserve/COVID-19 list; status unclear for game vs. Ravens  —  The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed star outside linebacker T.J. Watt on the COVID-19 list.  —  The team made the announcement on Monday, a day after the Steelers were embarrassed 41-10 on the road in Cincinnati.

Source - Pirates, catcher Roberto Pérez agree on 1-year MLB deal  —  PITTSBURGH — Catcher Roberto Perez and the Pittsburgh Pirates are in agreement on a one-year contract, a source familiar with the deal tells ESPN's Jeff Passan.  —  The deal, which is contingent upon Perez passing a physical …

Gary Sanchez returning to Yankees as team will tender him contract  —  Earlier this offseason, general manager Brian Cashman said he was “exploring” options to upgrade at catcher.  —  And if he didn't find anything, the GM said, “We'll come back with what we have.”

Sources - Cy Young winner Robbie Ray, Seattle Mariners finalizing $115 million contract  —  Reigning AL Cy Young winner Robbie Ray and the Seattle Mariners are finalizing a five-year, $115 million contract with an opt-out after the third season, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Where MLB's free-agent frenzy leaves the (so far) quiet Phillies as a lockout looms  —  There can be multiple things true about the free-agent frenzy that percolated on the brink of a Major League Baseball lockout and barely included the Phillies.  Players who would have helped them are no longer available.

Grades for Dolphins' dominant victory over Panthers; plus stock up and stock down  —  During the month of November the Miami Dolphins turned a dreadful start to the season into something that should be admired.  —  Miami's four straight wins, which became a reality with Sunday's 33-10 domination …