Within 3 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. That same season when Bernie Castro, the top prospect starting ahead of Scales got injured, he finally got his chance to start. 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. The Boston Red Sox organization signed him to a minor league contract on December 20, 2006 and invited him to participate in the Red Sox' 2007 Spring Training. In, Scales played for the Chicago Cubs organization and became a free agent at the end of the season. In January, he re-signed with the Cubs.
Major league career
He was called up to the Cubs major league team on May 4, 2009 after starting pitcherCarlos Zambrano was put on the 15-Day Disabled List. He made his Major League debut, starting at second base, at the age of 31 on May 5 against the San Francisco Giants, a game in which he recorded his first Major League hit against Tim Lincecum, winner of the 2008 National League Cy Young Award. He scored his first Major League run later that inning when Sean Marshall singled. On May 8, 2009, Scales hit his first Major League triple off of Dave Bush. On May 12, 2009, Scales hit his first major league home run off of Edwin Moreno of the San Diego Padres. On May 14, to further his case to stay in the bigs, Scales hit 2 doubles while driving in 4 runs in the Cubs' win over the Padres. He recorded a 6-game hit streak immediately after being called up, but that streak was lost on May 16. However, that same game, he scored the winning run in the bottom of the 9th inning against the Houston Astros. 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. The next day, May 28, Scales was recalled from AAA Iowa because Ryan Freel was placed on the disabled list. Scales then went on to hit a pinch hit home run in the bottom of the 8th off Dodgers pitcher Randy Wolf.
After leaving the Cubs, Scales signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets on April 1. On May 12 he was released by the Mets.
Japan again
After his departure from the Mets organization he signed with the Orix Buffaloes.
Post-playing career
On November 9, 2012, Scales was hired to be the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim' director of player development. Scales was hired by the Pittsburgh Pirates to be the organization's assistant fielding coordinator in 2019.
Personal life
Bobby's wife Monica has a doctorate in health communication. In 2005 Scales was named the Portland Beavers Community Player of the Year which highlighted the time and effort he put into helping the greater Portland community. He also is a substitute teacher at Milton High School in Alpharetta, Georgia during the offseason.
