Coco Crisp believes the Oakland Athletics aren't playing him in order to avoid his $13 million vesting option for next season.

"I'm extremely hurt, the way things are being handled," said Crisp, who is Oakland's longest-tenured player. "I'm not calling anyone names, but this is really frustrating and disappointing. This has been my favorite organization going back to when I was a kid, because of Rickey Henderson, and I've enjoyed playing here so much, and I've put it all out there. ... Up until recently, it's been tremendously enjoyable."

Crisp, 36, needs to play in 130 games this season for his option to vest. He has played in 93 of Oakland's 119 games, but he's not starting against left-handers and hasn't been used as a pinch hitter.

"This is shady. Everyone else is getting used off the bench," Crisp said. "BoMel can't even look me in the eye right now."

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.