A switch hitter who throws right-handed, Scales played for the University of Michigan and was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 14th round (442nd overall) of the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft on June 11, 1999.

Within three years of being drafted by the Padres organization, Scales was discouraged from lack of play and even planned to quit; but infield coach Tony Franklin talked him into staying.

[2] Signed by the Philadelphia Phillies to a minor league contract on January 11, 2006, Scales played the 2006 season with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons.

He was called up to the Cubs major league team on May 4, 2009, after starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano was put on the 15-Day Disabled List.

[6] On May 12, 2009, Scales hit his first major league home run off of Edwin Moreno of the San Diego Padres.

[10] On May 27, Aaron Miles was placed on the DL, and the team needed someone who could play backup shortstop and Scales was sent down to AAA Iowa Cubs.