Bobby Valentine claims that David Ortiz shut himself down after a brief return from an Achilles injury in August -- not because of the injury but because the Red Sox had made a blockbuster trade that threw in the towel on their season.

Ortiz was on the disabled list from July 18 to late August with a strained right Achilles. He went 2-for-4 with two RBIs in a one-game return on Aug. 24. The next day, Boston sent Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford and Nick Punto to the Dodgers.

"He realized that this trade meant that we're not going to run this race and we're not even going to finish the race properly and he decided not to play anymore," Valentine told Bob Costas on Tuesday night. "I think at that time it was all downhill from there."

Ortiz returned to the disabled list on Aug. 27 and never returned to the field.

"It's unfortunate that Bobby would be putting blame on David for the way this season has ended," said Fernando Cuza, Ortiz's agent. "Nothing could be further from the truth. David was having his best season since 2007 and has been one of the most durable players in the game. Based on the advice of the team doctor and his own doctor, resting and therapy was recommended for a complete recovery from this injury.

"David loves to play this game and has never quit on any one, and most important of all on this team that means so much to him. He has been a leader on this on the team and is disappointed in Bobby's remarks."