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Andy Kostka

Andy

Andy Kostka is an Orioles beat writer for The Baltimore Banner, focused on telling stories that revolve around — and away from — baseball. He previously covered the Orioles for The Baltimore Sun, and before that he worked for The Clarion Ledger in Mississippi. Kostka graduated from the University of Maryland and grew up in Rockville.

The latest from Andy Kostka

Outfielder Colton Cowser (17) celebrates with Gunnar Henderson (2) after homering during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024.
No, Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser is not afraid of shrimp. Yes, this is a real headline.
Orioles general manager Mike Elias speaks to the media last month after the firing of manager Brandon Hyde.
Analysis: The Orioles have 50 games before the trade deadline. Here’s what it would take to avoid a fire sale.
The 50 games before the end of July, in all likelihood, will hold the answer for how Orioles general manager Mike Elias approaches the trade deadline.
Outfielder Colton Cowser photographed during the 2025 Baltimore Orioles Media Day in February.
Orioles reinstate outfielder Colton Cowser from injured list
Cowser can also play center, which will come in handy for a club missing Cedric Mullins due to a hamstring strain.
The Orioles and White Sox convene on the field after the benches cleared during Saturday’s game at Camden Yards.
Coby Mayo collects first major league RBI and helps to start bench-clearing incident in Orioles’ win
The prospect was called up earlier in the day when Ryan Mountcastle went on the injured list.
Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson had two hits Friday night to give him 401 for his career.
With 400 hits before turning 24, Gunnar Henderson joins exclusive Orioles company
With his opposite-field double, Henderson became the sixth player in Orioles history to reach 400 hits before turning 24.
Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle steals home for the decisive run in Friday’s 2-1 win over the Chicago White Sox.
Orioles edge White Sox behind Zach Eflin’s pitching, Ryan Mountcastle’s steal of home
Even with Friday’s 2-1 victory, the lack of complementary baseball made this a close-run affair and put pressure on Eflin to be perfect for much of his outing.
JUPITER, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Hitting coach John Mabry of the Miami Marlins poses during Photo Day at Roger Dean Stadium on February 22, 2024 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Getty Images)
Orioles hire John Mabry as senior adviser, bolstering coaching staff experience
Mabry, who graduated from high school in Chesapeake City, is a longtime major league player and coach.
Cedric Mullins rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 19.
Orioles place Cedric Mullins on IL, bring back Cooper Hummel
Mullins has been in and out of the lineup lately, and interim manager Tony Mansolino said it was in an effort to keep him “fresh.”
Orioles closer Félix Bautista demonstrates a pitch grip to fellow reliever Yaramil Hiraldo on Tuesday at Camden Yards.
Félix Bautista’s path to the major leagues was hard. He tries to make it easier for Yaramil Hiraldo and others.
For players chasing a dream, Bautista’s example is one to follow. Hiraldo is attempting to.
Orioles center fielder Jorge Mateo can't bring in a fly ball off the bat of Cardinals' right fielder Jordan Walker during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Md. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Defensive miscues, poor relief pitching doom Orioles to a loss
The Cardinals broke Baltimore’s three-game winning streak.
One Orioles fan will have a permanent reminder of Trevor Rogers’ outstanding 2025 debut with the team.
Fan will commemorate Trevor Rogers’ scoreless outing with a tattoo on his butt
This week, Wooden plans to have Rogers’ name permanently printed on his tuchus.
Starting pitcher Charlie Morton delivers a pitch during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Charlie Morton pitches 6 strong innings, Orioles’ bats back him in win over Cardinals
Monday’s 5-2 win against the St. Louis Cardinals delivered Baltimore a season-best three-game winning streak.
Manager Brandon Hyde during 2025 Baltimore Orioles Media Day at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida Wednesday February 19, 2025.
Inside the tumultuous end of Brandon Hyde’s Orioles career
Some players appreciated Mike Elias’ message on Brandon Hyde in the wake of the change; others still blame him for the team's rough start.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 20: Jackson Holliday #7 of the Baltimore Orioles hits an RBI triple in the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on May 20, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Jackson Holliday takes pride in batting leadoff for the Orioles. His results are proving he belongs.
In a lineup full of underperformers, Holliday has made notable strides from his rookie season.
Adley Rutschman is greeted by Jackson Holliday after hitting a three-run home run during the 11th inning.
Orioles break the schneid in extras, get Tony Mansolino his first win as interim manager
The Orioles finally snapped an eight-game losing streak and salvaged the final game of the series at Milwaukee with their 8-4 victory in 11 innings.
Milwaukee Brewers' Sal Frelick (10) celebrates in front of Baltimore Orioles' Adley Rutschman after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning.
Orioles fall to 17 games below .500 with 8th straight loss
No team in MLB history has recovered from a record 17-below .500 to win the World Series.
Mike Elias, executive vice president and general manager for the Baltimore Orioles, speaks to the media for the first time since firing Brandon Hyde.
Mike Elias says he consulted ‘very heavily’ with Orioles ownership on firing Brandon Hyde
“Our starting pitching staff, it’s been a huge problem, and I put that on myself and the front office in terms of roster construction,” Elias said.
Adley Rutschman connects with a pitch during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels on May 11.
Adley Rutschman knows he can be better, and that starts with advice from Brandon Hyde
“I have all the belief in my ability, and I’m optimistic,” Rutschman said. “I don’t have doubt in my mind."
Baltimore Orioles' Cedric Mullins rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Monday, May 19, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
Orioles come back to tie Brewers, bullpen falters an inning later to lose
If Baltimore had managed to complete a comeback win, it would have been their first when trailing entering the seventh inning. Instead, the Orioles fall to 0-26 in those situations.
Interim manager Tony Mansolino made an impression on two Orioles season ticket holders during his time as third-base coach.
Many Orioles fans don’t know much about interim manager Tony Mansolino. Except for these two.
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