Coco Crisp ‘hurt,’ believes A’s trying to prevent option

ARLINGTON, Texas — Coco Crisp has served the A’s long and, for the most part, very well, playing a major role with a trio of playoff teams in Oakland.

[...] the A’s longest-tenured player is upset and told The Chronicle he is convinced that the team is deliberately not using him to avoid having his $13 million vesting option for 2017 kick in.

“I’m extremely hurt, the way things are being handled,” said Crisp, who did not play in Monday’s 5-2 loss at Texas.

General manager David Forst said last week that with the A’s out of contention, Crisp’s playing time has been reduced so that the team can get a look at younger options.

Melvin echoed that Monday, saying, We’re in a position where we’re playing other guys in games against left-handers, Coco won’t start against left-handed pitchers.

Crisp has been on the disabled list six times in his seven seasons with Oakland, including much of last season with a severe and chronic neck injury that was the result of crashing into the wall in center.

The switch-hitting Crisp, who is batting .221 against left-handed pitchers and .244 against right-handers, has sat out the past two games.

Crisp has 10-and-5 rights as a veteran player and can veto a trade, though he might welcome one to play for a contender in what might be his last season.

If Crisp’s option does not vest, he is unsure whether he wants to play beyond this year, saying, The business side sure makes it hard to love the game, and I’ve loved the game since I was 6 years old, and I love these guys in there, that’s why I want to be here. …