Los Angeles Angels two-way rookie Shohei Ohtani has new damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow and has been advised to undergo surgery, the club announced Wednesday.

The announcement came after Ohtani on Sunday made his first major league start since June 6, when he was sidelined from pitching duties with a right elbow injury.

"Shohei Ohtani underwent an MRI on his right elbow earlier today. The imaging revealed new damage to his ulnar collateral ligament," the Angels said in a statement.

"Based on these findings, UCL reconstruction surgery is the recommended plan of care. Additional information will be provided when appropriate," it said.

In his most recent game, on Tuesday against the Texas Rangers, Ohtani hit his 16th home run of the season and first against a left-handed pitcher.

Ohtani has reportedly not yet decided if or when he will undergo the procedure, known as Tommy John surgery, according to MLB.com.