White Sox RAINOUT decision AVOIDS risky Hagen Smith debut against lethal Dodgers lineup this weekend

The Chicago White Sox avoided a risky debut for top prospect Hagen Smith on Saturday, thanks to a timely rainout just before their high-stakes series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Could easing Smith in against weaker opponents spark a stronger start to his MLB career? Host Todd Welter breaks down the front office’s smart pivot, the challenges of debuting pitchers vs. hitters, and how the team’s young talent stacks up against elite offenses like the Dodgers. Discussing Derrick Hill’s trade to the Philadelphia Phillies, Welter highlights the value of securing prospects for roster depth and the ongoing evolution of the White Sox’s outfield. Fan poll results reveal dissatisfaction with Luisangel Acuña, but his recent surge may keep him around longer. The episode also covers pitching strategies, bullpen priorities, the debate over catcher upgrades, and whether Chicago should target rotation help at the trade deadline—all while setting the stage for an action-packed weekend at Rate Field. 00:00 Rainout Avoids Rookie Debut Discussion about the White Sox game rainout preventing a potential rough MLB debut for pitching prospect Hagen Smith, including analysis of why easing Smith into majors is preferred over debuting against the Dodgers. 08:52 Derrick Hill Trade & Roster Moves Breakdown of Derrick Hill's removal from the roster, analysis of the trade with the Phillies for prospects, and discussion of White Sox strategy regarding veteran players vs. youth. 22:01 Fan Poll Results & Deadline Plans Review of the latest fan poll on roster sacrifices, opinions on Luisangel Acuña and catching situation, and insights into the White Sox’s potential trade deadline approach. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonwhitesox.supercast.com Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Cash App Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/2ut33jnc #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa®️ Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.5-Hour ENERGY Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https://5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon. HIMS To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.comLOCKEDONMLB Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at https://Indeed.com/podcast KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms