B737-800 flight crew reported engine malfunction on takeoff roll. Rejected takeoff and taxied back to the gate.

Narrative

We were cleared for takeoff on runway XX. The first officer spooled the engines to 40% N1 and then pressed TOGA. Engine acceleration was normal initially but at around +/- 15 knots we experienced a hard pull towards the #1 engine; heard a couple of bangs; and the autothrottle disconnected. I immediately rejected the takeoff and we cleared the runway at taxiway 1. All engine indications were normal at idle and steering was normal. I made a PA to the passengers that we had experienced a mechanical problem and would be returning to the gate for maintenance. We contacted operations; received a gate assignment; and taxied back to the gate normally. At the gate; I contacted maintenance control and made the appropriate logbook entry. On Thursday; I contacted maintenance control and requested the diagnosis. A borescope determined that blade damage occurred in the 4th and 8th stages of the compressor and that an engine change was required. Cause: Unknown causal factors and no relevant recommendations.