Canadian outfielder Adam Stern will not break spring training with the Baltimore Orioles this weekend.

Instead, the 27-year-old native of London, Ont., was optioned to the team's triple-A affiliate in Norfolk, Va., one of three players farmed out by the American League team on Wednesday.

Stern, unlike catcher Alberto Castillo and relief pitcher Paul Shuey, didn't expect the move and was hoping to make the club in a backup role.

However, Stern's chances were probably hurt following a bout of food poisoning this week and after he pulled a muscle in his rib cage at the beginning of March.

"There's always opportunities that you've got to try to take advantage of, and obviously I didn't do it this year," said Stern, who was limited to 18 at-bats.

"Eighteen at-bats just isn't going to cut it. So you go down there, take it like a man and hopefully I'll be back here later."

Baltimore acquired Stern from the Boston Red Sox last Oct. 3 to complete the Javy Lopez trade.

In 2006, the five-foot-11 outfielder managed four runs batted in during a 10-game stint with Boston before he was demoted to triple-A Pawtucket.

Drafted by Atlanta in the third round in 2001, Stern was selected by Boston in the 2004 Rule 5 draft and averaged .143 in 35 at-bats over parts of two seasons with the Red Sox.

Baltimore opens the season April 2 against the hometown Minnesota Twins.

With files from the Associated Press