The Los Angeles Angels' two-way star Shohei Ohtani will undergo surgery on his throwing right elbow at the start of next month, the team announced Tuesday.

"I have decided to have it, with the timing based on this being the best path for me," Ohtani. "Taking into account the time of year, I thought this was the best choice."

"Various options were presented to me, including not having surgery, and this was my decision."

Renowned surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache will perform the procedure in Los Angeles, the team said.

(Ohtani talks about his upcoming surgery)

The Angels revealed earlier this month that Ohtani has new damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow and had recommended Tommy John surgery, but Ohtani had not committed to an operation.

The operation now will likely sideline Ohtani from the mound until the 2020 season.

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"It obviously puts him out of pitching in 2019, but he'll be able to hit, and I think he's at peace with that," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He wants to excel at both phases of the game. The fact he can't pitch (next season), there is a little bit of a void. But he'll be able to hit and focus on that."

The 24-year-old Ohtani, playing in his rookie season in the major leagues, was placed on the DL with a Grade 2 sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament in June but made his comeback as a hitter the following month.

(Mike Scioscia speaks to reporters before the game)

"I have a sense I won't feel everything's right until I've returned to the mound, but I'll be able to do something during that time."

He returned to the mound and pitched on Sept. 2 but fresh damage was revealed in his elbow and Tommy John surgery was recommended. The same day he received the news that surgery would be needed before he could pitch again, he had four hits and belted two home runs.

"Of course I have a sense of regret, but pitchers usually can't play after surgery for about a year and a half," he said. "But during that time, I'll still be able to contribute as a hitter, and I think that's a plus."

On Monday, Ohtani closed in on a career-high single-season home run tally when he hit his 21st of 2018 in the Angels' 5-4, 11-inning victory over the Texas Rangers.

Ohtani has only produced one comparable season at the plate in his professional career, hitting 22 homers in 104 games for Japan's Nippon Ham Fighters in 2016.

He was also solid on the mound, going 4-2 and finishing with a 3.31 ERA over 10 starts while striking out 63 hitters over 51 2/3 innings.

(Ohtani after the Angels' 4-1 win over the Rangers on Tuesday)