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.

But now 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. “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 is not starting against left-handed pitchers, and manager Bob Melvin, who uses his bench liberally, has not been using Crisp to pinch hit. That has heightened suspicions that Crisp is being held out for contract reasons.

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

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. I know it’s tough on him. I know it’s different.”

Crisp said that manipulating his playing time to avoid paying him is unfair. The games-played minimum was put in the agreement to reward good health, which he has had this season, thanks to hard work, preparation and medication.

“Let me play my way out, and if I get hurt, I get hurt, but if I’m in good health, I should get the chance to play,” Crisp said. “I’m healthy, I’m playing hard, and this has surprised me. This calls their integrity into question. It’s very sad.”

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.

“I’ve left a lot of blood, sweat and even broken bones out there for them. I’ve gone through everything you can go through to get out there,” he said. “That makes this tough.”

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

“I want to suit up, but there are some nights where there is no point — they’re not going to put me out there anyway, and there isn’t anything I can do about it,” he said Monday. “I’m down there waiting on the bench, wearing my batting gloves, holding my bat. I’m like that kid in class who when the teacher asks a question is waving his hand up and down, ‘I know, I know, call on me, I’m right here!’ and the teacher says, ‘Is there anyone else?’”

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. For him to approve any deal, though, the A’s would probably have to make it worth his while.

“But this team has never been motivated to give up a dollar,” Crisp’s agent, Steve Comte said. “I know Billy Beane has always been fond of Coco, but what they’re doing now is really a joke. I’ve advised Coco to take the high road, but the way things are going is a disservice to him.”

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. … I’ve enjoyed it so much, but then a situation like this occurs and it’s a slap in the face.”

Susan Slusser is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sslusser@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @susanslusser