“It gets back to what is best for our team,” Shildt said about the pros of such an approach. “We obviously want what is best for our players. But it says Cardinals on the front. That’s what it’s about.”

Shildt had just spent more than 15 minutes delicately explaining in great detail why the Cardinals are positioning Reyes for a prominent relief role in his first year back from back-to-back season-ending injuries. Reyes later took less time to cut through an innings’ worth of Braves like a blowtorch.

“When you have a guy like that,” Shildt said, “you trust him in about any scenario.”

Shildt also shared that a Wednesday discussion between the team and Martinez will focus on his nearing return to throwing and his role moving forward. Martinez, headed for the injured list, will not be ready for the opening-day roster. When he returns, a convincing case can be made that he should pitch from the Cardinals’ bullpen as he attempts to throw his way out of it. Wasting his innings elsewhere makes little sense.

“Carlos wants to pitch,” Shildt said. “We need him to pitch.”