Lillibridge played for the University of Washington for three seasons, where he was named to the All-Pac 10 Conference Team for three straight seasons, before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 4th round (121st overall) of the 2005 amateur entry draft. On January 17, 2007 he was traded by the Pirates with Mike González to the Braves for Adam LaRoche and Jamie Romak. On July 12, 2008 in a game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park, Lillibridge hit his first major league home run against relief pitcher Joe Thatcher.