WASHINGTON -- Kelly Shoppach, identified by the Daily News as a ring leader in a text message to ownership trying to undermine Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine, denied involvement to Mets reporters following Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Nationals.

Shoppach acknowledged he met with Terry Collins pregame to ensure his new employer had no misunderstanding about his involvement.

"I'm really disappointed that my name was even brought up in that," Shoppach said. "I wasn't behind any texts. I actually didn't even attend the meeting [with ownership]. It was on an off-day in New York and I stayed back in Texas with my family.

"I've already gotten a few text messages from former teammates apologizing that my name was even brought up in it. Everybody that is involved in that whole situation knows that I had nothing to do with it. So, like I said, I'm a Met now. I'm really excited to be here, around a fun group of guys. And I wish the Red Sox nothing but well. I had a great time while I was there. But I'm a Met now and I'm excited about the opportunity here."

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