The Boston Red Sox announced changes to their 2026 Major League coaching staff on Friday. Nelson Paulino has been named interim hitting coach, while Drew Ehrhard will serve as interim bullpen catcher. Both appointments fill immediate needs within the organization.
Boston Red Sox officials revealed the coaching staff updates in Boston, Massachusetts. Nelson Paulino, 53, steps into the role of interim hitting coach. This marks his 29th season with the Red Sox organization, where he has held various coaching positions across affiliates since 2001. The Dominican Republic native previously served as hitting coach for Single-A Salem since 2021, along with stints at High-A Greenville and the Dominican Summer League Red Sox. He also played four minor league seasons as an infielder in the Atlanta Braves system from 1991 to 1994. Drew Ehrhard, 27, takes on the interim bullpen catcher position. A Florida native, Ehrhard signed with the Red Sox as a non-drafted free agent in July 2023 and hit .233 over 322 minor league games. He appeared in 11 games for Double-A Portland this season before retiring from playing. These moves address short-term gaps in the team's 2026 coaching setup, drawing from internal talent with deep organizational ties.