It appears PawSox manager Ron Johnson is going to the big leagues.

The Red Sox have not made an official announcement, but Johnson will likely be named to Terry Francona’s coaching staff.

After former Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills left the organization and was named the manager of the Houston Astros last month, Boston GM Theo Epstein began an internal search to replace him. As a result, a current Red Sox coach will be named bench coach and Johnson will serve on Francona’s staff.

Johnson, 53, has managed in the minor leagues for the last 18 seasons, including the last 10 in the Red Sox organization.

Epstein & Co. thrive on developing talent in hopes those players can succeed at the big league level in Boston. Now, Johnson will get his chance to join the many players he has sent to the majors over the last few years.

Known as a very good evaluator of talent, Johnson is well respected by those in the Red Sox organization, especially the current players who played for him at both the Double-A and Triple-A levels.

Johnson has managed current Red Sox players Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Manny Delcarmen and Jed Lowrie.

Johnson has worked in professional baseball for 31 years. He played a total of 22 games in the majors for the Royals (1982 and 1983) and the Expos (1984) as a first baseman.

His son, Chris, made his major-league debut for the Astros in September.

--JOE McDONALD