PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Pirates called up J.R. House from Triple-A Nashville to take the roster spot of outfielder J.J. Davis, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hip flexor.

House will be practiced with the Pirates Thursday night at PNC Park, said teams spokesman Dan Hart.

"I was extremely surprised by it," House told the Charleston (W.Va.) Daily Mail. "Really, I was stunned, but I guess they have injuries up there and can use me."

House was drafted in 1999 as a catcher, but spent a lot of time at first base for Nashville this season.

He has battled injuries over his pro career. He underwent abdominal surgery in 2002 and elbow surgery in 2003 and spent time on the disabled list. He suffered a knee strain suffered about six weeks ago and is still recovering.

This will be House's second stint in the major leagues. He joined the Pirates at the tail end of the 2003 season, getting a pinch-hit single in his only at-bat.

That game was on the road against the Chicago Cubs. This time, House, 24, will be wearing the home uniform.

"I've never been to PNC Park as a player," said House, who turned down a chance to play college football to play pro baseball. "It's going to be special going into the clubhouse and putting on the uniform because I'm part of the team.

The Pirates begin a five-game homestand tonight against the Florida Marlins.

"I don't know what their role for me is," House told the Charleston (W.Va.) Gazette. "I might go up there and not play, I might be there a couple days or they might want me to play a lot if I do well, and stay up a long time. I'm just thankful for the opportunity. This whole year's been a blessing."