Robinson Chirinos, one of the young catchers expected to compete for a roster spot with the Rays next season, broke a bone near his right wrist while playing in his native Venezuela and will be out 4-6 weeks.

A report out of Venezuela said Chirinos, playing for Magallanes, fractured his right wrist in a preseason game on Saturday and will be sidelined until December. The Rays said it was a fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone.

Chirinos, acquired from the Cubs in the Matt Garza trade, made his major-league debut for the Rays this season, hitting .218 with one homer and 7 RBIs in 20 games.

Chirinos, John Jaso and Jose Lobaton are expected to compete for one of the catching spots in 2012, with the Rays filling the other with a veteran.