OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- The Toronto Blue Jays' offense finally slowed down. The way David Wells pitched, it didn't matter.

Wells threw 6 2/3 strong innings and the Blue Jays, relying on pitching instead of hitting for the first time in awhile, beat the Oakland Athletics 3-2 Monday night.

	David Wells didn't need all that offense. He received just enough -- three runs -- to beat the A's and raise his record to 3-1.

The Blue Jays' streak of scoring at least six runs was stopped at 11 games, largely by Oakland starter Kevin Appier, who left in the eighth inning with an arm injury. It was the longest such string in the majors since the California Angels did it for 11 straight in 1979.

"We're not used to games like this but we thought this was going to be a pitcher's duel," said Toronto manager Jim Fregosi, who also managed the high-scoring Angels team. "I'd rather have a 12-run game. That way I don't have to think."

Wells (3-1) gave up six hits, struck out eight and walked none in sending the A's to their sixth loss in seven home games.

For Toronto, it was a solid effort from a pitching staff that entered the night with a league-high ERA of 6.90.

"They wrote us off again this year. They do it every year, but we're good enough to bounce back," Wells said. "It's only April. There's no reason to panic or get distraught over the pitching staff."

But he said the tight, low-scoring game was more to his liking.

"I'm more of a defensive fan," said Wells. "I love low-scoring games with good defense because that's the side I'm on. Isn't that what they say? Good defense and pitching win ballgames."

Oakland, off to a slow start, shook up its roster earlier in the day and was without manager Art Howe, who missed the game while being treated for flu-like symptoms at a nearby hospital. Bench coach Ken Macha managed the team in his absence.

Appier also was knocked out of the game in the eighth inning with tightness in his right forearm and he's uncertain whether he'll be able to make his next scheduled start. He went 7 1/3 innings before leaving with a 2-1 count on Brad Fullmer.

"I'm concerned about it," Appier said. "The muscle spasmed in my forearm. It just grabbed me when I threw a slider. We'll see how it feels (Tuesday). That will be the indicator. We're hoping it could just be a tightening thing. We're going to monitor it."

Earlier in a day of change for the A's, the brother act of Jason Giambi and Jeremy Giambi was broken up as part of a series of roster moves by Oakland before the game.

Ailing designated hitter John Jaha was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left shoulder and Jeremy Giambi was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento. The club called up center fielder Terrence Long and third baseman-designated hitter Adam Piatt, who both started and collected their first major league hits.

Jason Giambi, the A's leading hitter, was unhappy over his brother's demotion.

"It's kind of a weird day," said Jaha, who added he's uncertain how long his rehab will take. "It felt different. They decided to bring in a couple of young players. Maybe they'll surprise people and do a great job. They're good young players who are going to get a chance to play. We'll see what happens."

Appier allowed three runs on six hits, but didn't get his typical support. Oakland had scored at least 10 runs in each of his three previous outings, all wins.

Down 3-1 entering the bottom of the eighth, Oakland got a one-out single from Miguel Tejada. After Jason Giambi flied out, Matt Stairs lined a single to center that Jose Cruz Jr. bobbled for an error, allowing Tejada to score.

Piatt singled before Billy Koch got Ben Grieve to ground into a force play and end the threat. Koch worked the last two innings for his third save.

The A's opened the scoring in the second when Grieve and Frank Menechino doubled in succession off Wells.

But the Blue Jays went back in front with a three-run third, when they strung together three hits.

Homer Bush hit a one-out single and Carlos Delgado drew a two-out walk before Fullmer singled to drive in a run and Tony Batista followed with a two-run double.

Game notes
Oakland reliever Jeff Tam wasn't available because of a muscle strain in his back. ... The Blue Jays also saw their home-run streak end at 12 games, two shy of the club record. ... Left fielder Marty Cordova was a late scratch from Toronto's lineup because of a sore left ankle. He fouled a ball off his ankle on Sunday. DeWayne Wise replaced him in the lineup. ... Official scorer Bill Arnold, who initially ruled right fielder Raul Mondesi misplayed Miguel Tejada's sinking line drive for an error, changed it to a base hit after the game.