Slaton spent the majority of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he became a reliable starter. In 1973, he led the American League in games started, taking the mound 38 times. His ability to pitch deep into games was a valuable asset for the Brewers' rotation. During his time with Milwaukee, Slaton developed a reputation for being a workhorse, often pitching over 200 innings in a season.
In 1976, Slaton achieved a personal milestone by being selected to the American League All-Star team. That season, he recorded a career-high 18 wins, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level. His performance helped solidify his role as a mainstay in the Brewers' pitching staff.
After several productive years with the Brewers, Slaton was traded to the Detroit Tigers in December 1977. His tenure with the Tigers was brief, lasting only one season. In 1979, he returned to the Brewers, where he continued to be an integral part of their pitching rotation. Slaton's second stint with Milwaukee saw him transition into a more versatile role, including time spent as a reliever.
In 1983, Slaton was traded to the California Angels. During his time with the Angels, he adapted to a new role, primarily pitching out of the bullpen. This transition demonstrated his ability to adjust and remain effective in different pitching situations. Slaton's experience and knowledge of the game were valuable assets to the Angels' pitching staff.
Slaton's career came full circle when he returned to the Detroit Tigers in 1986, his final season in the majors. Over his 16-year career, he accumulated 151 wins, 1,514 strikeouts, and a 4.03 ERA. His longevity in the league was a testament to his skill and adaptability as a pitcher.
After retiring from playing, Slaton remained involved in baseball, taking on coaching roles at various levels.
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