CHICAGO -- Chicago White Sox centerfielder Alejandro De Aza is expected to play a few rehab games in the minors before returning to the team, manager Robin Ventura said on Friday.

De Aza was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to Aug. 18 because of bruised left ribs. He said Friday he was feeling better and was just beginning baseball activities.

“I feel much better,” De Aza said. “(I’ve been doing) some exercises, massage, heat. It got loose. I’m feeling really, really good.”

While De Aza has been a consistent force in the lineup this season, the impact of his absence has been minimized by Dewayne Wise's solid play as a fill-in. Wise has hit .350 with three home runs and nine RBIs in 10 games with the White Sox.

“You’re looking at how (De Aza’s) feeling when he comes back, too,” Ventura said. “I don’t want him limping back in that we’re going to have him play hurt. That’s the main thing. When he comes back, he’ll play. Dewayne’s doing a good job, so you let Dewayne play until he’s healthy.”

De Aza is hitting .281 with six home runs, 44 RBIs, 73 runs and 21 stolen bases this season.