Despite missing his team's last seven games with a neck strain, Oakland Athletics center fielder Coco Crisp could be in the lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Tampa Bay Rays, manager Bob Melvin told MLB Network Radio on Monday.

Bob Melvin on Coco Crisp: "He'll hit on the field today, if all goes well, it is possible he can start tomorrow." — MLB Network Radio (@MLBNetworkRadio) August 4, 2014

Crisp underwent an MRI on last week that revealed "chronic, degenerative changes" in his neck, though the club never seriously considered putting the 34-year-old on the disabled list.

Through 80 games this season, Crisp is hitting .274/.372/.416 with seven home runs and 16 stolen bases. In his absence, the Athletics have used a host of in center field, including Sam Fuld, Billy Burns, Josh Reddick, and Craig Gentry.