Over the course of his MLB career, he pitched for the Pirates, Kansas City Royals (on two occasions), Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves.

While pitching for the Braves against the Cincinnati Reds on August 1, 1978, Garber helped prevent Pete Rose from setting a new National League (NL) hitting streak record.

Rose struck out swinging, on a 2–2 change-up, ending the consecutive game streak still tied with Willie Keeler.

[2] Upon his retirement following the 1988 season, Garber’s 931 career pitching appearances ranked fifth in MLB history, trailing Hoyt Wilhelm (1070), Kent Tekulve (1013), Lindy McDaniel (987), and Rollie Fingers (944).

Prior to the 2009 season, he was invited by the Braves to be a guest instructor for a week during spring training, working with fellow side-armer Peter Moylan.