The Rockies optioned Ritter to Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday.
Ritter claimed a spot at the end of Colorado's bench to begin the regular season, but he'll now head back to Triple-A after beginning the season 1-for-7 with a run scored and three strikeouts. His demotion frees up a spot on the Rockies' active roster a day before Mickey Moniak (finger) is eligible to return from the injured list.