Rodon throws first bullpen session since forearm strain

Carlos Rodon’s first bullpen session since mildly straining his left forearm went off without a hitch.

The southpaw threw 15 fastballs on Thursday. The injury, which Rodon pitched through last May as a member of the Giants, had sidelined the Yankees’ most notable newcomer since March 9.

“Just hitting the marks, trying to check off the boxes, week by week, day by day,” Rodon said when asked how the session felt. “The cliches you guys want to hear, but it’s the truth because that’s how rehab goes, and it sucks.”

As for next steps, Rodon will “probably” play catch up to 90 feet on Friday. He’ll throw another bullpen in a few days, one that will incorporate breaking balls.

On the clock: Because of his injury, Rodon has had limited experience with the pitch clock. He threw in just one game this spring, completing two innings.

“I liked it, he said, “but I need more experience with it.”

Rodon will pick up that experience when he begins making rehab starts in the minors.

Bader’s better: Harrison Bader believes he’s in a “really, really good spot” as he recovers from an oblique injury that’s sidelined him for the last two weeks.

“Every day’s been better than the first,” the center fielder told The Daily News on Thursday. “Absolutely no setbacks, there’s no pain. We’re just progressing along.”

Bader added that he hasn’t started swinging yet, but he hopes to “really soon.”

Higgy and the kid: Kyle Higashioka didn’t play much during the World Baseball Classic — he received zero at-bats over three appearances — but the catcher nonetheless found his time with Team USA valuable after the squad lost to Japan in the tournament’s finale.

“I learned so much there from all the players and coaches,” Higashioka said Thursday upon rejoining the Yankees. “I definitely think that I’m coming back better, even though you know, I lost those two weeks of playing time. But I feel like what I gained in terms of just experience and learning from all those guys probably overrides that lack of playing time.”

IKF catches up: Isiah Kinerfalefa continued his prep for a super utility role Wednesday, as he took part in catching drills.

Kiner-falefa, who worked on blocking and receiving, had the help of Jose Trevino, who helped the natural infielder transition to catching when the two were also teammates in Texas.