The LA Angels were decimated by injuries to their starting pitchers in 2018 and were looking for anyone who could possibly stay healthy and be at least somewhat effective. After never starting his whole career, Pena did that and more going 3-5 with a 4.18 ERA striking out 85 batters in 92.2 innings of work. His WHIP was a respectable 1.24 as he posted a 3 to 1 strikeouts to walks ratio (85: 28).
This year Pena went into Spring Training not sure what the future would hold. In five games Pena posted a 2-1 record with a 3.