By GEORGE A. KING III

Sergio Mitre said his right forearm felt good after a throwing session off flat ground but Chad Gaudin will start Thursday night against the Blue Jays in Toronto.

“Sergio is not ready,” Joe Girardi said of the right-hander who was hit on the arm Saturday. “He will get back in the rotation.”

The Yankees have a split doubleheader Monday against the Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mitre is a candidate for a start there but Girardi said he could be back in the rotation sooner.

The only way that happens is if the manager opts to give Andy Pettitte or A.J. Burnett, Saturday’s and Sunday’s starters, an extra day of rest.

“They are being careful because of (Tommy John) surgery a year ago,” Mitre said. “They don’t want to risk it.”

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Brett Gardner took BP on the field and is hoping to start a rehab assignment. There is a chance the outfielder could rejoin the club Sunday in Toronto.

Gardner has been out since late July with a fractured left thumb.

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The team promoted catcher Francisco Cervelli, infielder Ramiro Pena and pitchers Mike Dunn, Mark Melancon and Edwar Ramirez from SWB (Triple-A) when the rosters expanded from 25.

Pitcher Jonathan Albaladejo was a candidate to be recalled but he was hit in the face playing catch Monday. When he is ready to pitch he will be promoted.

Top prospect Austin Jackson likely will be promoted when the SWB season is complete. Ditto for outfielder Shelley Duncan, who was named IL MVP, and first baseman Juan Miranda.