Gilbreth was selected by the Tigers in the third round of the 1969 June MLB draft after graduating from Abilene Christian University.

He was recalled from the minor leagues in the midst of the 1971 season, and in his big-league debut — as Detroit's starting pitcher against the Cleveland Indians at Tiger Stadium on June 25 — he fired a complete game, 6–1 victory.

[2] However, ten days later, in his fourth starting assignment, Gilbreth was roughed up by the Kansas City Royals, allowing four bases on balls, two hits (including a home run by Lou Piniella), and seven earned runs in only 1+ inning of work.

A successful 1972 campaign at Triple-A, when he saved 14 games for Toledo, led to another call-up to Detroit, but he was ineffective.

After missing the 1973 season, Gilbreth received an early-season trial from the 1974 Halos, but struggled in back-to-back appearances May 11–12 against Kansas City.