Scales called up/play Tuesday

[Mikey]

Scales, 31, was called up to the Major Leagues on Monday to take Carlos Zambrano's spot on the Cubs' 25-man roster after the pitcher was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Scales gives the Cubs a backup infielder; they don't need another starter until Friday, when Randy Wells is expected to be called up from Triple-A Iowa.

Scales' time with the big league team may be limited -- Tuesday's game against the Giants will be Day 2 for him -- and he's going to make the most of it.

"I'm happy he's here for a couple reasons," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "The biggest is because this man has endured for a long, long time in the Minor Leagues. He's getting an opportunity here after 10, 11 years. It's a really, really nice story. He's earned it. He came to camp and worked hard. He contributed."

Scales was batting .303 at Iowa with three homers and 10 RBIs in 21 games. He can play second, short, third, wherever the Cubs need him.

"Now I don't have to be looking for a pitcher to pinch-run," Piniella said.