FOX Sports' Jon Paul Morosi reports that the Phillies and Cardinals are among the teams that have checked in on the availability of Padres relievers Heath Bell and Chad Qualls.

It's possible they could be looking to add the duo as a package deal, but more likely, the Phils and Cards are probably finding out whether it would make more sense to add a quality setup man or a costly closer. Qualls is making just $1.5 million this season and has a club option for next year, while Bell will be a free agent after the season. Teams are also expected to make a play for Mike Adams, but the Pads are likelier to hang on to him since he won't be a free agent until after the 2012 season.

Heath Bell nailed down his 18th save of the season in San Diego's 3-1 win over the Rockies on Monday.

He walked Jason Giambi, but threw an otherwise perfect ninth inning. A welcome sight after he got tagged for losses in each of his past two appearances. A trade to a team where he would not be the closer, and not ineffectiveness, remains the greatest long-term concern for Bell owners.

Taking the mound in the ninth inning of a scoreless game on Sunday, Heath Bell took the loss after yielding two runs on three hits and a walk.

It was a bad omen when he surrendered a one-out base hit to Matt Stairs, who entered the game hitting 4-for-39 (.103). Bell threw only 16 of 30 pitches for strikes. He is now 2-3 on the season with a 2.89 ERA, and has given up two earned runs in each of his last two outings, losing both games.

Heath Bell earned his 17th save by tossing a scoreless ninth inning of Tuesday's 2-0 victory over the Rockies.

Bell was awesome in April, posting a 0.90 ERA in 10 appearances, and mortal in May, giving up six runs -- four earned -- in 12 appearances. He hasn't yet allowed a run in June. Bell now has a 1.96 ERA and 0.96 WHIP over 26 innings.

Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that the Cardinals are among the teams that have checked in on Padres' closer Heath Bell.

Not entirely surprising, though Fernando Salas is now 10-for-10 in save opportunities this season. Bell has a 1.96 ERA, 17/8 K/BB ratio and 14 saves over 23 innings this season and should be a hot commodity leading up to the trade deadline.

Scott Miller of CBSSports.com reports that the Rangers are one of several teams that have made inquiries on Padres closer Heath Bell.

Get used to this. Bell will likely be the best closer available via trade prior to the deadline and is almost sure to be in another uniform in the second half. The Rangers would presumably use Bell as a setup man to Neftali Feliz, so it wouldn't be the best landing spot for him fantasy-wise. Texas also reportedly has at least some level of interest in Joel Hanrahan.

Heath Bell has allowed only one baserunner over three scoreless innings since blowing a save on May 7.

Chase Headley's ninth-inning error on May 7 cost Bell his streak of 41 consecutive saves converted, but the veteran closer has bounced back in fine fashion. He's 2-0 with nine saves this season, boasting a 1.13 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 16 innings.

Padres closer Heath Bell hasn't blown a save opportunity since May 29 of last season.

It's quite a feat considering that Bell doesn't have consistently great velocity and looks more like a linebacker than a relief pitcher. The 33-year-old is sporting a 0.82 ERA and 0.91 WHIP through 11 innings this season. He should remain a valuable fantasy closer all summer, unless of course the Padres trade him to a team that already has the ninth inning covered.

Friday's Dodgers/Padres game was suspended due to rain at 1:40 AM PT and will resume at 5:35 PM Saturday with the score tied 2-2 in the top of the ninth inning.

The game went through three rain delays before the umpiring crew finally decided to suspend the game following another rain shower. Matt Kemp will be on first base with no one out, with Heath Bell on the mound. The two teams will then start their regularly scheduled game following the conclusion of the suspended contest.

According to Barry M. Bloom of MLB.com, Padres general manager Jed Hoyer discussed a potential contract extension with the representatives for Heath Bell last week.

"My biggest thing is that I'd like three years," said Bell, who confirmed that the meeting took place. "That's my biggest thing. If it means taking less money, then that's something I'll do to make sure I'm here for the next three years or more." Bell, who will be a free agent following the 2011 season, has been open about his interest to stay in San Diego. He's even willing to talk about a contract during the season, which gives the Padres some flexibility.

Heath Bell told Jim Bowden of FOX Sports that he will accept a discount to stay in San Diego.

To do so, Bell wants assurances that he "won't end up like Jake Peavy," according to the report, which perhaps means he wants a full no-trade clause. The 33-year-old closer will be a free agent after this season and is looking at a big payday if he hits the open market. Bell led the National League in saves in 2009 with 42, and finished second this past season with 47 while posting a 1.93 ERA and over 11 strikeouts per nine innings.

Heath Bell pitched a perfect inning Sunday against the A's in his spring debut.

Back from a strained calf, Bell struck out two and threw 10 of his 12 pitches for strikes. "I felt really good," he said. "I felt like I wanted to go out there and throw low strikes, and I was able to accomplish that, except for with my offspeed. I think I was just rushing my curveball a little bit. But the changeup was really nice and the fastball was down in the zone."

Padres manager Bud Black said Monday Heath Bell (calf) looked good on the mound during an eight-minute live batting practice session.

Bell was sidelined early in camp due to a strained left calf, but he's already back to running and throwing. In fact, Black said Monday that Bell could pitch in a game later in the week. The Padres' closer won't need many appearances to get ready for the season.

Heath Bell (calf) threw a 12-minute bullpen session Monday in Padres camp.

Bell told reporters after the session that his control was a bit off, but that is to be expected this early in the spring. It was his first bullpen session since arriving in Arizona and he should only get better as February turns to March. The 33-year-old had been limited early on by a mild left calf strain.

Heath Bell (calf) is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session of the spring on Monday.

Bell has been limited in camp since he arrived because of a strained left calf, but it's nearly healed now and he should have no issues Monday when he steps atop a mound. The 33-year-old right-hander finished with a 1.93 ERA and 86/28 K/BB ratio over 70 innings of relief last season and should be one of the first closers off fantasy draft boards this spring.

Heath Bell (calf) is unlikely to throw a bullpen session this weekend.

Bell had hoped to step atop a mound Sunday, but the Padres want to give extra time for his left calf strain to heal. It's a wise strategy here in the middle of February. Bell will get ample looks over the course of the spring.

Heath Bell (calf) hopes to throw a bullpen session by Sunday.

Bell has been limited in the early part of camp due to a strained left calf, but played catch and spent 20 minutes on the stationary bike on Wednesday. The injury is not considered serious. The 33-year-old right-hander will be a free agent following the 2011 season, so you can bet he's gearing up for a big year.

Heath Bell will be sidelined for the next few days with a strained left calf.

Bell must have suffered the minor injury during a throwing session on Monday or sometime this weekend. Either way, he should back on his feet by the end of this week. The 33-year-old will be one of the first closers off the board in fantasy drafts this spring.

The Padres and Health Bell's representatives are expected to talk during spring training about a contract extension for the closer.

"My understanding is that [talks are] going to blossom during Spring Training," Bell said. "I'm not going to worry about it. My agents will come here in March and they'll talk then. I like that we are going to talk. If we can get it done, great. If not, OK. But at least we are trying." Though both sides do seem interested in getting something done, it's hard to believe the Pads will commit too much to a reliever, especially when they have others in the bullpen capable of closing.

MLB Network Radio's Jim Bowden reports that Heath Bell and the Padres are both interested in a multi-year deal for the closer.

We're skeptical that the Padres are really interested in getting anything done unless Bell likes San Diego enough to give them a big discount. The small-market Padres simply can't afford to tie up so much money in a reliever. Bell, who avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $7.5 million contract, is still very likely to be traded during the season.