SAN DIEGO ---- The Padres have been telling Wade LeBlanc for years that he needs to command his fastball.

It has been repeated so often that the rookie pitcher could be forgiven for mumbling the advice in his sleep or feeling as if it has been tattooed across his forehead.

But hearing those words of wisdom and trusting them are different things. It was only after LeBlanc returned from the minor leagues on Aug. 29 that he realized the concept works ---- that his 85-mph fastball, when properly located, can be effective

In his last four starts, LeBlanc is 2-0 with a 2.52 ERA over 25 innings.

"When I went back down, I realized I could get outs with my 85 if I just located it," LeBlanc said. "When I came back up, for the first time I took that with me. … I think it takes some guys a little longer than others. I'd like to think that I was one of those guys and I'm starting to do it. I'm starting to get it, but I still have a long way to go."

Given how the Padres have touted his abilities, it seems as if the second-round draft pick from 2006 has been around for more than three years. But his start Tuesday ---- in which he earned a no-decision by allowing one run in six innings ---- was only the 10th of his major league career.

"He's worked very, very hard. Not just in the minors, but on mechanical stuff since he got here," pitching coach Darren Balsley said. "He's going to learn on the job."

Though a young pitcher like him can learn a lot from any one start, LeBlanc said his most important outing was Aug. 29 in Florida. That's the day he began to trust his fastball against big-league hitters.

"I made one mistake, but it was an off-speed pitch," LeBlanc said. "I was able to get some outs with my fastball, and that really showed me because they're a good-hitting team. ... It really helps me to trust it."

Close shave for Bell

Much to the chagrin of his 7-year-old daughter, Jordan, closer Heath Bell shaved his facial hair on Tuesday night.

Mired in his worst slump of the season, Bell ---- who earned the win with a scoreless inning Wednesday ---- said he was advised not to change anything about the way he pitches. But after allowing seven runs in his previous three innings, increasing his ERA from 1.98 to 2.90, Bell needed a change.

Now he's free of facial hair for the first time in five years.

"Jordan told me to go put my beard on," Bell said. "She got mad and told me she was going to cry and then faked like she was crying. ... I just needed to switch something up."

Et cetera

RHPs Mike Adams (shoulder) and Greg Burke (shoulder) both felt good after throwing in the bullpen on Tuesday and both should be available for the series that starts in Pittsburgh on Friday. ... 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff (calf) is still having trouble planting and throwing and might not return until Monday in Denver. ... Manager Bud Black said 1B Adrian Gonzalez didn't start Wednesday to give him consecutive days off to rest an ailing shoulder. Gonzalez hit a pinch-hit home run ---- the first of his career ---- with two outs in the ninth inning while batting in place of his brother, Edgar. ... Wednesday's extra-innings game was the fifth played between Arizona and the Padres in 15 meetings this season. The Padres have won three of those five games.