CINCINNATI -- Reds shortstop Zack Cozart is likely headed to the disabled list after he hurt his right knee during the first inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday and had to be helped off the field.

Cozart tried to beat out a grounder and stretched his right foot to touch the base. His foot slipped across the base, causing his ankle and knee to twist. He fell to the ground, rolled onto his back and grabbed his right knee immediately, wincing in pain.

Zack Cozart left in the first inning of Wednesday's game after slipping and hurting his right knee. AP Photo/John Minchillo

He was examined by a trainer and didn't put any weight on the leg as he was helped off the field and taken for an MRI.

"I think it's safe to say he'll be on the DL, I think that's pretty reasonable," manager Bryan Price said. "It's heartbreaking, is what it is, to see him carried off the field."

It's a significant blow to the Reds, who already are missing catcher Devin Mesoraco and starter Homer Bailey. Mesoraco -- an All-Star last season -- needs hip surgery, and Bailey had reconstructive elbow surgery.

Also, left fielder Marlon Byrd is recovering from a broken wrist.

The Reds were 11 games out of first place in the NL Central entering Wednesday.

Cozart is among the NL's top shortstops in numerous offensive categories. He had homered in three of his past four games, leaving him with nine homers and 28 RBIs.

He also is the Reds' second-leading vote-getter in fan balloting for the All-Star Game that will be played in Cincinnati next month. Only third baseman Todd Frazier has gotten more fan votes.

"He's just a guy who has invested so much in being really good this year," Price said. "You look back at last year with the slow start and struggles he had -- to look at what he's doing this year with the power and hitting the ball to all fields, while playing Gold Glove defense. It's a collective sadness that he's going to miss some time. It looks pretty certain he'll miss some time."

Kris Negron and Ivan De Jesus Jr. may see some time in Cozart's absence. The team also could call up Eugenio Suarez from Triple-A Louisville.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.