PHOENIX -- Pitching opportunities have been tough to come by in the last two weeks for Padres All-Star closer Heath Bell, though teaching moments for the many young faces in the San Diego bullpen have been plentiful.

"It's given me a chance to watch the young guys in the bullpen and help them out where I can, like if they have questions," Bell said. "We're always talking, going on in the bullpen during games.

"That's something I enjoy doing."

Bell, who will turn 34 on Sept. 29, is the eldest member of the Padres' bullpen. In some cases, he's much older. Rookies Josh Spence and Anthony Bass are both 23 years old.

"He's made himself very available, and Heath is a very approachable guy," Bass said. "... We always have questions for him. He's been around, so he's the guy to ask questions of."

Pitching appearances have been few and far between for Bell, mostly because the Padres have dropped 12 of their last 14 games since Aug. 23.

Bell has appeared in two games in that stretch and has earned one save.

"It's tough to help the team win, but I can only do so much," Bell said. "But what I can do, though, is be prepared for when it's my turn."

For now, though, Bell will do his best to provide insight or answer questions if they should occur in the bullpen.

He'll also do a little preaching, too.

"I feel like I have to instill in the younger guys here that the reason we've been successful in the past is mostly because of the bullpen and the job we've done," Bell said.

Versatile Parrino to get plenty of opportunities

PHOENIX -- Rookie Andy Parrino wasn't in the lineup on Friday when the Padres faced the D-backs at Chase Field, but chances are good that he will back in the lineup at some point soon.

The Padres are getting a good look at the 25-year-old during the final month of the regular season. Since Parrino was recalled from Double-A San Antonio on Aug. 26, he's appeared in 12 games and at four different positions.

"You don't see it in September [due to expanded rosters], but on a 25-man roster, he's the type of player that becomes invaluable because of his versatility and that he can play the premium position -- shortstop," Padres manager Bud Black said.

Parrino is hitting .217 in his first 23 at-bats with the Padres, but has walked five times for an on-base percentage of .345. He's played third base, shortstop, second base and right field.

"He can play shortstop and also go to the outfield and switch-hit, what a bonanza," Black said. "Now it's up to him."

Parrino has made four starts at third base and could see more time there now that fellow rookie Logan Forsythe (arthroscopic surgery, left knee) is done for the season, and with Chase Headley still working his way back from a fractured left finger last month.