SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The best way to stop Rockies utility candidate Ryan Ritter -- who received Major League time as a rookie last year and is looking for further big-club employment -- from producing this spring is to hope manager Warren Schaeffer gives him a day off.
Ritter has hit safety in six of his eight Cactus League games. Thursday’s 3-for-3 with two doubles -- one off the top of the center-field wall at Salt River Fields in a 10-8 loss to Brewers -- brought him to .478 (11-for-23) with a home run and six RBIs. At least the Athletics didn't have to deal with Ritter on Friday, in an 11-6 Rockies victory, because Schaeffer gave him the day off.
A fourth-round pick out of the University of Kentucky in 2022, Ritter’s roster candidacy could stand as an early test case of the Rockies’ attempts to raise the minimum talent level. The club signed or traded for experience and added non-roster candidates with time in the Majors.
Ritter played second base during his 60-game Major League debut last year. Now he is mixing in shortstop, third base and left field -- a new position. The production must continue. And with a Rockies organization that has been more active in acquisitions than in the past, there’s always the possibility of an addition to change the mix.
The new front office didn’t abandon younger players that were in line for playing time, but it challenged them. Ritter, 25, has a history of responding properly.
“I came here knowing that I can’t just use Spring Training -- just come in and be ready,” Ritter said. “It’s awesome.
“And I’ve got a good support system. I always hear from them, whether it’s a good or bad day. They understand the process, and they’re all just happy for me.”
Ritter’s willingness to play left field -- on a day’s notice -- is an example of his attitude.
“We’re all in agreement that the best way for ‘Rit’ to get the most out of himself is to be able to play as many positions as he can,” Schaeffer said. “He’s dynamic and he’s got the ability and the tools to do it. He can really run, and there’s athleticism.”
Ritter wanted to be recruited by Southeastern Conference schools out of Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankford, Ill. When it didn’t happen, he went to John A. Logan College in Carterville, Ill., and earned the offer from Kentucky.
A collegiate Gold Glove winner, Ritter entered the pros with questions about his bat. His 2023 California League Most Valuable Player Award at Single-A Fresno and strong Minor League numbers over four seasons (.283/.385/.506) -- including 16 home runs in 55 games last year at Triple-A Albuquerque -- earned him a Major League look.
While playing regularly at second base with the Rockies, Ritter batted .241 with one home run, nine doubles and three triples. But when a 43-119 club finishes a season with a callup as a regular, it acquires a former All-Star in Willi Castro, trades for more-experienced Edouard Julien and looks at last year’s regular right fielder, Tyler Freeman, in a multi-position role that includes second base.
Ritter spent the offseason building on what he learned last year. He dwindled to 186 pounds on his listed 6-1 frame, but reported at 210 with a plan to hold his weight better.
“That’s the adjustment I have to make -- no matter how tired you get, you’ve got to make sure you’re consistent with your weight room work, and when you’re too tired to eat you’ve got to make sure you make that late-night meal and get it into you,” Ritter said.