BRADENTON, Fla. -- Catcher J.R. House, once considered a top prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates, was given his unconditional release Tuesday.

House, 25, underwent season-ending surgery on his right shoulder last month. He learned of his release upon reporting for medical treatment Tuesday.

The surgery was the fourth in as many seasons for House, selected in the fifth round of the 1999 draft after turning down a football scholarship to West Virginia University.

House said he will continue rehabbing his shoulder and play for whoever wants him, but he isn't ruling out a return to football.