Crisp returns to lineup with rested hamstring

OAKLAND -- Coco Crisp, who had started just two of the A's last six games and none since Sunday, was back in the lineup for the A's three-game series opener against the visiting Astros on Friday.

He made his presence felt by hitting a two-run homer in the fifth inning of Oakland's 11-3 victory over Houston.

Crisp was hampered by a sore left wrist in the second week of the season, and a hamstring injury limited his activity most of this week.

As of Friday, "I think he's as close to 100 percent as you'll get," said manager Bob Melvin.

Crisp pinch-hit in Wednesday night's loss in Anaheim and proceeded to steal a base quickly after, showing no noticeable issue with the hamstring.

"I wasn't sure he was going to do that," Melvin said Friday. "He had a green light and he did."

Despite his early injury woes, Oakland's center fielder has four stolen bases on the year. He has also reached base safely via hit or walk in each of his eight starts.