PADRES NOTES: Bell's been swell for Padres pitchers

By DAN HAYES - Staff Writer | Saturday, July 5, 2008 6:53 PM PDT ∞

 PHOENIX ---- After Friday's win over the Diamondbacks, Padres reliever Heath Bell received an "atta boy" from his dad, Jim Bell, in the tunnel outside the visiting clubhouse at Chase Field.

Bell said it was part of an enjoyable day as his parents, wife and three children were in town for the holiday and fireworks show. Bell brought his dad and his son, Reece, on to the field before early batting practice, with the eldest Bell decked out in his son's uniform. The second-year reliever even convinced his dad to take the mound and throw a pitch.

Bell later took the hill with one out and the tying run on in the seventh inning and got the Padres out of trouble, finishing with three strikeouts in 1 2/3 scoreless innings.

"I like coming in pressure situations," said Bell, who lowered his ERA to 2.09.

"Last year I was bailing out starters when they were getting tired and up to 100-and-some odd pitches. I really enjoyed that because you help out your teammates."

Bell has been a consistent force in the Padres' bullpen this season, and even more so over the past 6 1/2 weeks with a 1.21 ERA in 22 1/3 innings.

"I feel like I'm back," said Bell, who leads the Padres with six wins. "Early on I was off, but since May I've been feeling good."

 

Hundley's homecoming

Friday was hardly the first time Nick Hundley had set foot inside Chase Field.

Having spent his collegiate years at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Hundley has seen his fair share of Diamondbacks games.

The rookie said his college coaches attended Friday's game as well as several friends, who rented out the pool area beyond the right-center field fence.

Those factors along with his first hit, catching a victory and being on the field gave Hundley a day he'll never forget.

"I don't know how to describe (it)," said Hundley, who was given the lineup card by manager Bud Black.

 

Estes almost there

Shawn Estes could have the guard protecting his broken left thumb removed as early as Friday as long as the injury has healed properly. The left-hander, who made the trip to Phoenix, said he's in a good frame of mind after the initial shock of missing six-to-eight weeks wore off. Black said Estes is likely three weeks away from pitching.

Short hops

RHP Kevin Cameron (sore elbow) threw in a simulated game at Peoria on Friday and will pitch an inning in an Arizona League game on Monday. He's expected to go to Triple-A Portland after that. ... Manager Bud Black met one of the Padres' first round picks, Jaff Decker, on Friday. Black learned among other things, that the outfielder's name is pronounced Jeff. ... RHP Brett Tomko (elbow) was announced as available by Black. He wasn't available during the Colorado series. ... OF Brian Giles is nursing a hamstring injury. Black said OF Paul McAnulty might be used as a defensive replacement for Giles.

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