Given how JR operates I'd have a hard time believing he's doing this without the FO's approval. Renteria has been saying the right things about analytics lately but I'm getting the feeling that the FO is sending some smoke signals bout a possible change. Renteria has stopped bunting entirely, and you know almost for certain that decision didn't come from him, but from Hahn. Things may be heading towards a "mutual parting". Obviously a deep post season run would complicate things.
I think Renteria is a horrible no good game day manager but I can't deny that for the most part he's had the guys ready to play this year. He's not the worst manager and if he continues to evolve maybe he sticks around. There will be a VERY interesting meeting with him and Hahn and Jerry and Kenny after the season I'd imagine.
All that said, I can kinda imagine Hahn absolutely fuming when he sees Eloy in LF in a 4 run game in the 9th like last night. Like dude, you HAVE the roster now, fucking use it wisely.