“Guess what? We are not all perfect. We all make mistakes. The key is, will people respond, make changes and hopefully not (let it) happen again? In his case, he can’t let it happen again. Because the next one is 100 games, and that’s far more punitive than 50. So, he better grow up from this.”

The good news for Reyes is this can disappear. If his second offense is his last, no one will remember he started this season in prospect camp instead of major-league spring training. Shelby Miller, for example, was not defined by a 2011 suspension after two alcohol-fueled altercations during his Class AA days.

“Time heals all,” said catcher Michael Ohlman, who played with Reyes in Class AA. “He made a mistake. It happens. He’s not going to be the first, or the last.”

True. But for Reyes, the innocence has expired. Another setback would prove he prioritizes marijuana use over pitching for the Cards. That would be a big problem.

Talent factors into the amount of leash an up-and-comer receives. Reyes has a ton of it, but every leash must end at some point. The Cards might not be looking to add depth at catcher if they had not tired of Cody Stanley’s propensity for PEDs. Marijuana and steroids are not the same, yet both pose serious risks for minor leaguers who would like to be promoted.