TAMPA — Mariano Rivera threw 30 pitches in a bullpen session this morning and the Yankees closer said he is nearing the point when he will begin throwing batting practice.

“Friday or Saturday,” Rivera said of his next bullpen session.

According to Joe Girardi, don’t look for Rivera to work an exhibition game for about two weeks.

Rivera historically needs eight innings to be ready for the season. As usual, all of Rivera’s appearances will be at Steinbrenner Field except when he will work in one of three games played on the east coast at the end of spring training.

The Yankees play the Marlins on April 1 and 2 in Miami and the Mets in Port St. Lucie on April 3.