LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers' offseason changes began not on the player roster but in the medical department, as longtime trainer Stan Johnston was dismissed on Wednesday.

The popular Johnston, a 23-year employee of the organization, served as the Major League team's head trainer from 2000-06. But with the hiring of Stan Conte last winter as director of medical services and head trainer, Johnston's role changed to assistant athletic trainer, a title also held by Todd Tomczyk, who was hired last winter.

Johnston also was the Dodgers' assistant trainer in Los Angeles from 1996-2000 and was head trainer for the organization's Triple-A affiliate, Albuquerque, from 1989-95. He joined the organization in 1985 at rookie-level Great Falls and spent the next three years at Class A Bakersfield.

Johnston, 44, had been a performer for nine years on the professional rodeo circuit. He earned a Master's degree in sports medicine from Montana State University in 1985 and was one of the National League trainers for the 2006 All-Star Game.